SASHI BHUSHAN vs PROF. BALRAJ MADHOK & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that allegations of electoral malpractice, including tampering with ballot papers, warrant scrutiny despite the absence of direct evidence. The Court emphasized that such serious allegations challenge the integrity of the Election Commission and democratic institutions, necessitating a thorough investigation in the public interest. The Court dismissed the appeals, affirming that the interests of justice outweigh the principle of ballot secrecy when public integrity is at stake.