In Brief
A candidate challenged her election victory in an Election Petition, alleging she had concealed assets (approximately Rs. 2 crores in construction on agricultural land) and shown zero income for a year when she was actually employed. The elected candidate sought to dismiss the petition at the threshold, arguing it failed to comply strictly with formal requirements under the Representation of the People Act. The Supreme Court held that Election Petitions need not meet strict technical compliance with statutory requirements; substantial compliance suffices. The petition disclosed a cause of action regarding the alleged concealment and must proceed to trial on evidence, not be summarily dismissed. The appeal was dismissed.
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