Bombay High Court Issues Summons to Maharashtra CM Fadnavis, Two BJP MLAs Over Poll Irregularities

The Bombay High Court on Thursday issued summons to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP MLAs Mohan Mate and Bunty Bhangadiya in connection with petitions filed by Congress, alleging serious procedural violations during the October 2024 Assembly elections.

The summons, issued by the Nagpur bench, came after Congress candidates Praful Gudadhe, Kiran Pandav, and Satish Warjukar — who lost to Fadnavis (Nagpur South West), Mate (Nagpur South), and Bhangadiya (Chimur, Chandrapur), respectively — filed petitions challenging the results and demanding that the victories of the BJP leaders be declared “null and void.”

Justice Pravin Patil directed the respondents to file their replies by 8 May. The petitioners, represented by advocates Pavan Dahat and Akash Moon, have alleged that the Election Commission failed to follow mandatory procedures, including the issuance of notifications for the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

The petitions further claim that critical documents such as Form 17, which records votes cast, and CCTV footage from strongrooms were not made available. Additionally, the alleged absence of verification through the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.

This development comes just a day after similar summons were issued to BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) MLA Manoj Kayande, and BJP’s Deorao Bhongale following petitions alleging procedural lapses in their respective constituencies.

Across these challenges, a common thread has emerged: accusations of systemic failure in upholding electoral transparency. From missing authorisations for EVM use to restricted access to public records and insufficient VVPAT audits, the petitions suggest a widespread breach of electoral norms, prompting judicial scrutiny.​