Gujarat HC Issues Summons To BJP MP Rajesh Shukla In Election Petition Over Alleged Criminal Case Non-Disclosure

The Gujarat High Court has issued summons to newly elected BJP MP Rajeshbhai Parmanandbhai Shukla in an election petition filed by Congress leader of the Opposition Tushar Chaudhary, who has challenged Shukla's election alleging non-disclosure of a pending criminal case in his nomination affidavit.

The matter came up before Justice S.V. Pinto, who issued the summons and listed the petition for further hearing.

Petition Alleges Criminal Case Was Not Disclosed

According to the election petition, Shukla stated in the affidavit submitted along with his nomination papers that there were no criminal cases pending against him.

Chaudhary has alleged that this declaration was incorrect and that a criminal case had already been registered against Shukla under Sections 406, 420, 465, 467, 468 and 471 of the Indian Penal Code.

The petition further claims that the trial court had issued summons to Shukla in connection with the case.

Quashing Plea Also Pending In High Court

The petitioner has alleged that Shukla was aware of the criminal proceedings because he had separately approached the Gujarat High Court seeking quashing of the complaint relating to the offences.

According to the petition, that quashing plea remains pending and no stay has been granted by the High Court in the matter.

On that basis, Chaudhary has alleged that the criminal case should have been disclosed in the election affidavit.

Election Challenged Over Alleged Non-Disclosure

The Congress leader has sought cancellation of Shukla's election, arguing that allegedly withholding information about a pending criminal case from voters and the Election Commission amounted to a violation of the provisions governing election disclosures.

The petition contends that such non-disclosure affected the validity of the election process.

The High Court's issuance of summons means the petition will now proceed for further consideration. It does not, by itself, establish the allegations made against the MP.

The next hearings will determine how the respondent responds to the allegations and the legal grounds raised in the election petition.