79 Election Petitions Filed Against Newly Elected Mumbai Corporators Over Caste, Affidavit And Disclosure Issues

Mumbai's newly elected corporators are facing a wave of legal challenges following their electoral victories. A total of 79 election petitions have been filed against these candidates, addressing issues from alleged caste certificate discrepancies to concerns about criminal-case disclosures and property declarations. The Shiv Sena (UBT) faces the most petitions, with 24 challenges, followed by the BJP with 16, Congress with 10, Shiv Sena (Shinde) with seven, AIMIM with five, MNS with two, and NCP with one.

This wave of legal action was reignited after the annulment of Vishakha Raut's election, a former corporator and former mayor, due to a caste invalidity dispute. All candidates are required to disclose personal, caste certificates, financial, and legal information in their affidavits. Any discrepancies or misrepresentations in these declarations can result in election challenges and subsequent judicial proceedings.

Five elections have already been annulled, and the outcome of the remaining cases could significantly impact the composition of political parties in the BMC. The judicial scrutiny of elected representatives' credentials and declarations now extends beyond the ballot box, as Galgali pointed out.