Setting aside of election

Setting aside of election: If the District Magistrate, after holding such inquiry as he deems fit in respect of an election petition, is satisfied that-

1. (a) a candidate has committed any corrupt practice within the meaning of this Chapter, or
2. (b) the result of the election has been materially affected by any act or omission in violation of the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, or
3. (c) the result of the election has been vitiated by any offence punishable under this Act or any law for the time being in force he shall set aside the election of such candidate, and may, if the election is set aside for any cause which is the result of any act of a candidate or his agent, declare that candidate to be disqualified for the purpose of a fresh election caused by such setting aside: Provided that if the District Magistrate in setting aside the election holds a candidate guilty of any corrupt practice, he may declare such candidate disqualified for contesting an election to a Municipality for a period not exceeding six years.