Judgment

SARKARIA, J. :- The basic facts giving rise to these appeals being common, the same will be disposed of under one judgment.

2. Notice calling for nominations to be filed before 3 P.M. on 11-3-1974, for filling six vacancies to the Rajya Sabha from the State of Tamil Nadu in the biennial elections was issued on March 4, 1974. Eleven candidates filed their nominations. On scrutiny which was held on March 12, 1974, all those nominations were found to be valid. On 14-3-1974, which was the last date fixed for withdrawal, three candidates withdrew their nominations leaving eight in the field. The poll was held on 21-3-1974. Counting of votes took place on the same date. The result was published according to which, the contesting candidates secured the votes noted against their names as follows :

1. Shri Khadar Sha -- 3500

2. Shri Khaja Mohideen -- 3700

3. Shri V. Subrahmanyan -- 300

4. Shri C. D. Natarajan -- 3500

5. Shri R. Mohanarangam -- Nil

6. Shri S. Ranaganathan -- 4100

7. G. Lakshmanan -- 3600

8. D.C. John alias Valampuri John -- 3700

3. The requisite quota to secure the election of candidate was fixed at 22,400+1=3201

6+1

and candidates mentioned at serial Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7