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HP HC upholds six-year disqualification for panchayat pradhan over concealment in nomination papers
On April 18, 2026, the Himachal Pradesh High Court upheld the Mandi DC’s six-year disqualification of Basant Lal for concealing a pending criminal case in his nomination papers. The court ruled that the penalty arises from a false declaration in the nomination form, not the offense's nature or gravity, and dismissed the petition. The judge noted the six-year term is intended to cover at least one full panchayat election cycle.
Why It Matters
This ruling reinforces strict enforcement of election disclosure rules and ensures that disqualification lasts through at least one complete panchayat election cycle, affecting candidate eligibility in Himachal Pradesh.
Timeline
4 Events
HP High Court upholds six-year disqualification; petition dismissed
April 18, 2026
The Himachal Pradesh High Court, in a Saturday order, upheld the Mandi DC’s six-year disqualification. The division bench stated the key ground was a false declaration in the nomination form, not the nature or gravity of the offense, and dismissed Basant Lal’s petition.
Mandi DC orders six-year disqualification from contesting panchayat polls
February 2025
In February 2025, the Mandi district collector (DC) ordered disqualification of Basant Lal for six years from contesting panchayat polls.
Election voided by SDM for concealment of pending criminal case
April 2022
In April 2022, the sub-divisional officer (SDM, Civil), Karsog, declared Basant Lal's election void on grounds of deliberate concealment of a pending criminal case in the nomination process.
Basant Lal elected gram panchayat pradhan in Pagna (Mandi) in 2020
2020
Basant Lal was elected as the gram panchayat pradhan of Pagna in Mandi district in 2020.