Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Supreme Court utilized its authority under Article 142 of the Constitution to nullify the outcome of the January 30 Chandigarh mayoral election due to deliberate invalidation of eight ballots by the presiding officer.
- It emphasized the need to uphold the sanctity of electoral democracy and cited potential harm to democratic principles if irregularities were allowed.
Article 142 gives the Supreme Court the discretion to pass decrees or make orders that are necessary for complete justice in any case or matter pending before it. This power can be used when the law or statute does not provide a remedy. In these situations, the court can extend itself to resolve a dispute in a way that fits the facts of the case
