Chatra Municipal Chairperson Election Faces Legal Challenge Over Two-Child Norm
The election of Chatra Municipal Council chairperson Ataur Rahman has been formally challenged before a local civil court, casting a shadow over his recent victory. Two defeated candidates from the February 27 civic body polls have filed separate petitions alleging that Rahman provided false information in his election affidavit regarding the number of his children, potentially violating crucial eligibility criteria.
Allegations of Concealed Information and Violation of Municipal Act
The petitions, filed by Aman Yadav and Rajesh Shah who secured second and third positions respectively in the election, claim that Rahman declared only two children in his affidavit despite actually having three. The complainants specifically allege that Rahman's third child was born after February 9, 2013, which they argue makes him ineligible to contest under the provisions of the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011.
According to Section 18 of the Act, candidates with more than two children born after the specified cut-off date are explicitly barred from contesting municipal elections. The petitioners argue that despite this clear restriction, Rahman "misled voters" by concealing this information during the nomination process.
Documentary Evidence and Specific Claims
The complainants have presented what they describe as compelling documentary evidence to support their claims. They state that entries in the ration card and school admission records clearly show three children — Nargis Naz, Md Aseer and Md Janati Naz — with Rahman listed as their father. This documentation has been formally submitted before the court as part of their legal challenge.
In their petitions, Yadav and Shah have sought multiple remedies including:
- Cancellation of Rahman's election as chairperson
- A ban on his participation in any future municipal polls
- Appropriate legal action for allegedly providing false information
Official Response and Election Commission Involvement
When contacted about the matter, Chatra Additional Collector Arvind Kumar provided insight into the administrative perspective. He explained that affidavits submitted during nomination are typically accepted if no objections are raised at that initial stage. "The two-child norm under the 2013 rules is applicable," Kumar confirmed. "Now that the matter is in court, any document sought will be provided by the election office."
It's worth noting that both petitioners had previously submitted written complaints to the state election commission and the district administration seeking an investigation into the matter before escalating it to the judicial system.
Election Results and Wider Context
The February 27 election saw Rahman secure 6,111 votes, defeating Yadav by a margin of 1,492 votes. Shah finished third with 3,844 votes, while all other candidates in the race forfeited their deposits, indicating a clear three-way contest.
Efforts to contact Rahman for his response to the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The case adds to growing scrutiny of election affidavits in the region, with a similar challenge emerging in Dhanbad district where a defeated candidate has challenged the election of deputy mayor Arun Chouhan, accusing him of hiding criminal cases in his affidavit. That matter remains sub judice.
The legal proceedings in Chatra highlight the ongoing importance of transparency in electoral processes and the specific provisions of the Jharkhand Municipal Act regarding candidate eligibility. As the court examines the evidence and arguments, the outcome could set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in future municipal elections across the state.
