Supreme Court refuses to interfere with Chhattisgarh HC order on election plea against ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel
The Supreme Court of India has declined to dismiss an election petition challenging former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's 2023 victory. The court ruled that Mr. Baghel can present his defense before the election tribunal, noting that the allegations of corrupt practice remain a matter for trial.
Why it matters
This case highlights the legal scrutiny surrounding electoral conduct and the threshold for challenging election results in India.
The Supreme Court on Friday (August 7, 2026) declined to interfere with a Chhattisgarh High Court order refusing to dismiss, at the threshold, a petition challenging former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's election from the Patan assembly seat in 2023.
The top court, however, said that Mr. Baghel would be at liberty to raise all his pleas before the High Court's election tribunal during the trial.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana disposed of Mr. Baghel's plea challenging the High Court's interim order dated June 15 by which his application seeking rejection of the election petition for want of cause of action and non-compliance with statutory requirements was dismissed.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in