JITU PATNAIK vs SANATAN MOHAKUD .

The Supreme Court addressed the election petition concerning the 25-Champua Assembly Constituency, focusing on the validity of the election held on April 23, 2009, despite the death of candidate Akhila Kumar Mohanta on April 13, 2009. The Court held that the inclusion of the deceased candidate's name in the electoral process did not invalidate the election results, as the appellant Jitu Patnaik received the highest votes and was declared elected. The Court upheld the Orissa High Court's decision to allow the election petition to proceed, emphasizing adherence to the election laws under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.