J.S.NARANG, J. - (1.) THE bye-election to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha held on 25.11.1998 from 28 Adampur Constituency has been challenged by Shri Dalvir Singh Dhirowal, the petitioner, who is an Elector of the aforesaid Assembly Constituency and his name has been entered at Serial No. 236 Part 55 of the said constituency.
(2.) THE petitioner contested the aforesaid election but lost the same and as a defeated candidate has questioned the election result vide which Shri Kanwaljit Singh respondent No. 1 has been declared successful. The Election Commission of India issued a notification dated 30.10.1998 for holding the aforesaid bye-election and that as per the said notification various dates for filing the nomination papers etc. had been notified, which read as under :- (i) Last date for filing of nomination papers : 6.11.1998. (ii) Date of scrutiny of nomination papers : 7.11.1998. (iii) Last date of withdrawal of nomination papers : 9.11.1998. (iv) Date of polling (if any) : 25.11.1998. (v) Date of counting of ballot papers : 28.11.1998. The petitioner alongwith all the respondents and various other persons filed the nomination papers and that after scrutiny and withdrawal of nomination papers, the petitioner and all the seven respondents, i.e., the total candidates, were left in the election fray of the aforesaid constituency.
(3.) THE petitioner contested the election on the ticket of Shiromani Akali Dal (hereinafter referred to as SAD). Shri Kanwaljit Singh respondent No. 1 contested on the ticket of Indian National Congress (hereinafter referred to as the INC). Smt. Vidhwant Kaur on the ticket of Bahujan Samaj Party (hereinafter referred to as BSP). Shri Anoop Singh Minhas contested on the ticket of Shiromani Akali Dal (Simranjit Singh Mann) and that all others respondents contested the aforesaid election as independent candidates.;