Chaugule vs Bhagwat

The Supreme Court held that under Section 110(3)(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a person who has not contested the election cannot be substituted as an election petitioner in a withdrawn election petition. The Court found that the High Court erred in allowing Bhagwat's application for substitution despite his lack of standing, emphasizing that the provisions of Sections 78(b) and 81(1) must be read together with Section 110(3)(c). Consequently, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order, reinforcing the principle that only eligible candidates can challenge elections.