The Punjab and Haryana High Court cleared the path for a full trial. Justice Archana Puri said the allegations need evidence and a proper hearing. She noted that the court cannot stop the case at the initial stage.

Karan Singh Dalal filed the petition. He asked the court to cancel Gautam’s election and disqualify him for six years under Section 8-A of the Representation of the People Act. Gautam won the 2024 Assembly poll with 1,09,118 votes. Dalal received 75,513 votes.

Gautam’s counsel argued that his use of words like “Sanatan” or “Hindutva” did not qualify as corrupt practice. The court disagreed. It said the petition contains enough material facts to move forward.

Justice Puri explained that the context matters. She referred to videos from Bhagwat Katha and Khatu Shyam gatherings. She said the impact of the speeches must be examined during the trial.

Dalal’s senior counsel Mohan Jain also stressed the timing and location of the remarks. He said the full trial must assess the intention behind the words.

The case will now proceed, and both sides will present detailed evidence.

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