1. S. A. RAHMAN, J.-In this case it was found by the Election Tribunal that the secrecy of the ballot has been violated by the act of the Presiding Officer, who noted the numbers of the voters on the ballot papers as well as on their counterparts the Tribunal therefore set aside the election and ordered a fresh election. The respondent approached the High Court in writ jurisdiction and succeeded in obtaining an order setting aside the Election Tribunal's order dated the 5th May 1965, with no order as to costs. This is a petition for Special Leave to Appeal on behalf of Azmat Ali, calling in question the order of the High Court.
2. The learned Judges of the High Court have taken the view that rule 36(1-A) of the Electoral College Rules, 1964, only enables the Tribunal to declare an election void if the result of the election had been materially affected by reason of the failure of any person to comply with; or the contravention of any provision of the Act, or these Rules. The learned Judges were of the opinion that this condition had not been satisfied in the present case, although it was found that the secrecy of the ballot had been violated. This view of the High Court is challenged as erroneous and merits consideration. Leave to appeal is therefore, granted as prayed. The petitioner will furnish security in the sum of Rs. 1,000 prior to the appeal being heard. In the meantime, the order of the High Court shall remain suspended.