Fresh Legal Storm Over Rajya Sabha Seat as HC Issues Notice on Anurag Sharma’s Election
SHIMLA: In a fresh political and legal twist in Himachal Pradesh, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notices on a petition challenging the election of Rajya Sabha MP Anurag Sharma, who hails from Kangra district.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice B.C. Negi has sought responses from Sharma, the Election Commission of India, the Centre, the state government, and the Returning Officer.
The court has directed all parties to file their replies by May 21.
Allegations of Disqualification
The petition, filed by Vinay Sharma, alleges that Anurag Sharma was ineligible to contest the Rajya Sabha election due to active government contracts at the time of filing his nomination.
Citing provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the plea argues that any individual holding subsisting government contracts is disqualified from contesting elections.
According to the petition, Sharma had as many as seven active government contracts when he filed his nomination.
It further claims that the Returning Officer failed to properly scrutinize these aspects and accepted the nomination.
The plea seeks to have Sharma’s election declared null and void, arguing that the existence of such contracts, if proven, constitutes a clear legal disqualification and could also impact his continuation as a Member of Parliament.
Contracts and Disclosure Under Lens
The petition also points out that Sharma, a former PWD contractor, disclosed government contracts worth approximately ₹23.64 crore in his election affidavit.
Of these, two contracts worth ₹12.58 crore were allegedly awarded just days before the nomination process began, raising further questions.
Separately, a complaint had also been flagged before the Election Commission alleging concealment of asset details, adding another layer to the controversy.
Déjà Vu: Another Rajya Sabha Poll in Court
This is not the first time a Rajya Sabha election from the state has landed in legal scrutiny.
Earlier, BJP leader Harsh Mahajan was declared elected in a dramatic contest decided by a toss against Congress heavyweight Abhishek Manu Singhvi in February 2025.
Singhvi has already challenged that outcome in the High Court, where the matter remains pending.
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