The Patna High Court has issued notices to 42 MLAs, including Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar, during preliminary hearings on petitions challenging the validity of their election to the Bihar Assembly. The notices were issued by different benches of the High Court while hearing multiple petitions filed by defeated candidates, who alleged that the winning candidates had provided inaccurate or incomplete information in their election affidavits during the Assembly polls.
According to the petitions, the alleged irregularities included failure to disclose accurate details of criminal antecedents, incorrect declaration of assets and liabilities, and concealment of other mandatory information required under election rules.
The court emphasised the importance of transparency in election affidavits, observing that accurate disclosure of personal, financial and criminal background was essential for ensuring a fair democratic process. It noted that voters rely on such information to make informed decisions while exercising their franchise, and any false or misleading declaration is a serious matter.
Among those served notices are several prominent leaders, including Finance and Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, former ministers Jivesh Mishra and Vinod Narayan Jha, as well as legislators Chetan Anand, Abhishek Ranjan and Amarendra Kumar.
The petitions stem from the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections last year, which were held in three phases. The results, declared on November 14, saw the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secure a decisive victory.
Following the results, several unsuccessful candidates from both ruling and opposition parties approached the High Court, alleging discrepancies and seeking judicial review of the election outcomes.
The court has scheduled further hearings in the matter on different dates, and the proceedings will determine the validity of the allegations as well as the future course of action.
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