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Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on July 5, 2025
HC junks plea challenging ex-CM Channi’s election
He claimed that a lavish round-the-clock langar at a local guest house, multiple roadshows, the hiring of singers, and a large number of public meetings were not properly accounted for in the expense register.
Punjab elections optics take centre stage as leaders use viral videos, local outreach and symbolic gestures while Jalandhar emerges as a key battleground.
(PTI Photo)
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed an election petition challenging the victory of former Punjab CM and Congress member of Parliament Charanjit Singh Channi from the Jalandhar (SC) Lok Sabha seat.
The petition, filed by Jalandhar-based social activist Gaurav Luthra, had accused Channi of indulging in corrupt practices, underreporting election expenses, and concealing material information in his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission.
However, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma on Thursday dismissed the case after Luthra’s counsel repeatedly failed to appear in court.
Channi, who won the Jalandhar seat in the June 4 results, was represented in court by advocate Nikhil Ghai.
In his plea, Luthra alleged that Channi concealed key details in his Form 26 affidavit, including actual election expenditure.
He claimed that a lavish round-the-clock langar at a local guest house, multiple roadshows, the hiring of singers, and a large number of public meetings were not properly accounted for in the expense register.
The petitioner also alleged that local media, including news portals and TV channels, gave disproportionate coverage to Channi, amounting to paid news that was not reflected in his poll spending.
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Luthra had sought that Channi’s election be declared void under Section 100 of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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