Supreme Court issues notices regarding by-election costs in India

The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the central government and the Election Commission of India regarding a petition seeking to recover by-election expenses from candidates. The petition, filed by K. Sudhan, argues that by-elections are frequently necessitated when Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) resign for political gain or due to party switching, leading to a significant waste of taxpayer money.

The petitioner requests that the government should not bear these costs, but instead recover the full amount from the former MLAs responsible for the vacancies. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Jai Malia Pakshi and V. Mohana heard the matter. Due to the need for additional documents regarding by-election expenditures, the case has been adjourned until November 11.