In a rare and noteworthy intervention, the Supreme Court of India has overturned the result of a Sarpanch election in Haryana's Panipat district, marking a significant moment in the country's electoral history. The decision came after the apex court ordered a recount of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) related to the Gram Panchayat election of Buana Lakhu village, a move that is the first of its kind. The recount, conducted under the supervision of a Supreme Court registrar, revealed a different outcome than the initial declaration, leading to the reversal of the result.
The dispute originated from the Sarpanch election held on November 2, 2022, where Kuldeep Singh was declared the winner. Mohit Kumar, the opposing candidate, challenged the result, alleging irregularities in the electoral process. Kumar filed an election petition before the Additional Civil Judge (Senior Division)-cum-Election Tribunal of Panipat, seeking a recount of votes.
On April 22, 2025, the Election Tribunal ordered a recount of votes from booth number 69. The Deputy Commissioner-cum-Election Officer was directed to carry out the recount on May 7, 2025. However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court set aside the Election Tribunal's order. Aggrieved by the High Court's decision, Mohit Kumar appealed to the Supreme Court.
On July 31, 2025, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and N Kotiswar Singh directed the production of all EVMs and election records before a Registrar appointed by the Court. The court expanded the scope of the recount, ordering that all EVMs from every polling booth be recounted under video supervision. Representatives from both sides were present during the recounting process.
The recounting took place on August 6, 2025, covering booths numbered 65 through 70. The Registrar's tally showed Mohit Kumar securing 1,051 votes, while Kuldeep Singh received 1,000 votes, thus upturning the original result. On August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court examined the recount report and found no reason to doubt its credibility, especially considering the video recording of the entire process and the sign-off by representatives of both parties.
Consequently, the Supreme Court overturned the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision and declared Mohit Kumar the lawfully elected Sarpanch of Buana Lakhu village. The Deputy Commissioner-cum-Election Officer was directed to issue a formal notification within two days, enabling Kumar to assume office immediately. The apex court further instructed that the resealed EVMs and recount records be returned to the Election Tribunal, which may proceed with final adjudication. However, the recount report submitted by the Registrar will be treated as final and binding for determining the election outcome. The Supreme Court clarified that the parties could still raise any remaining issues before the Election Tribunal.
This landmark decision underscores the Supreme Court's commitment to ensuring free and fair elections and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The summoning of EVMs and the subsequent recount conducted under the Court's supervision highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in electoral matters. This unprecedented step sets a significant precedent for addressing electoral disputes and upholding the democratic principles of the nation.
