1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CWP-18881-2026 Date of decision: 10.07.2026 Sr. No.125 Rajesh Kumar …..Petitioner VERSUS State of Punjab and Ors. ….Respondents CORAM:- HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE DEEPAK SIBAL HON’BLE MS. JUSTICE RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL Present: Mr. Parambir Singh, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Jastej Singh, Addl. A.G. Punjab. Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh Brar, Advocate for respondent No.6. ***** DEEPAK SIBAL, J. (ORAL) 1. Through this petition the petitioner seeks preservation of ballot papers pertaining to the election of Municipal Councillor of Ward No.22, Municipal Council, Faridkot, which elections were held on 29.05.2026. Preservation of the videography done at the time of counting of votes in the said election is also sought. 2. On apprehensions expressed on behalf of the petitioner with regard to conduct of several re-counts by the State till the private respondent was declared the winner, we had required the Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot to produce the videography done at the time of counting of votes. Original record pertaining to recording of counting/re- counting of votes was also directed to be produced. 3. At this stage when we had perused the original record and PUNEET SHARMA viewed the videography produced before us, learned counsel for the 2026.07.15 10.54 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment 2 petitioner, on account of disputed questions of fact which had emerged, seeks to withdraw this petition with liberty to the petitioner to file an election petition in terms of Section 76 of the Punjab State Election Commission Act, 1994, which we permit. 4. It is clarified that while granting the afore permission, we have not commented on the merits or entertainability/maintainability of the remedy that the petitioner may avail in terms of the liberty granted through this order. 5. Needless to add that the State shall preserve the afore referred videography and the original record till the petitioner’s election petition is finally disposed of. (DEEPAK SIBAL) JUDGE (RUPINDERJIT CHAHAL) JUDGE 10.07.2026 puneet i) Whether speaking/reasoned? Yes/No ii) Whether reportable? Yes/No PUNEET SHARMA 2026.07.15 10.54 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment