Speaking to the media after assuming his new role, Kumar expressed his unwavering faith in the justice system and his dedication to serving the people of Chandigarh.

The Court emphasised that the eight invalidated ballots in question would be deemed valid, and subsequent results would be declared based on this recount.

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the prosecution of Anil Masih, the returning officer for the Chandigarh mayoral polls.

Anil Masih, who had held the position of general secretary of the minority cell of the Chandigarh BJP since 2021, has now been replaced by Istekhar Ahmed.

A large contingent of police was deployed and barricades were erected in Sector 35 to prevent the protesters from going towards the BJP office.

By terming the presiding officer's actions as "murder of democracy", the apex court has sent a strong message that electoral malpractices will not be tolerated, calling for the prosecution of the returning officer.

In the controversial election, a BJP candidate was declared the winner, invalidating votes of 8 Congress-AAP alliance candidates.

Led by Sunny Ahluwalia, the AAP councillors demanded action against the presiding officer for purportedly tampering with ballot papers in the mayoral polls. 

The case, brought forward by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi on behalf of councillor Kuldeep Kumar, is set to be heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

Kumar's plea challenges the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which on January 31, refused to stay the election or restrain Mayor Manoj Sonkar from assuming office.