SHALIGRAM SHRIVASTAVA vs NARESH SINGH PATEL

The Supreme Court held that the rejection of Bhagwan Singh's nomination paper was valid as he failed to fill the required proforma under the Election Commission's instructions, which, although not statutorily mandated, constituted a substantial defect. The Court clarified that the Election Commission's directives, even if executive in nature, must be adhered to by candidates. The appeal against the High Court's dismissal of the election petition was therefore dismissed, affirming the election of the respondent.