Today (May 31), the Supreme Court declined to consider a writ petition claiming instances of booth capturing and election rigging in Munger, Bihar, allegedly orchestrated by members of the JDU. The petition sought re-polling and recounting of votes in specific booths. The Court dismissed the petition but allowed the petitioner the freedom to seek relief from the High Court instead.

Emphasizing the importance of due process, the bench comprising Justices Satish Chandra Sharma and Prasanna B Varale highlighted the necessity for the petitioners to initially seek recourse through the High Court.

" Where is the rejection order? Why don't you go to the High Court?...the High Courts are not closed in this country. Please go to the High Court and argue all this before the High Court. I am sorry we are not touching it on merits" Justice Sharma told the petitioner's counsel Advocate Aljo Joseph.

Despite efforts by the counsel to persuade otherwise, the bench remained steadfast in its stance.

"Learned Counsel pressed for withdrawal of the present petition with the liberty to approach the High Court , the same is dismissed as withdrawn"

The petition concerns the purported incidents of booth capturing and election manipulation in Munger, Bihar, reportedly involving members of the ruling political party, JDU, allegedly assisted by government officials.

Additionally, it was claimed that numerous appeals were submitted to authorities, including Election Commission of India observers and District Election Officer Mr. Avnish Kumar Singh, but without any resolution. The petitioner further asserts being subjected to physical aggression by officials and supporters of JDU when attempting to protest against the alleged booth capturing.