SUMAN SHYAM, J.

1. Heard Mr. B. Lalramenga, learned counsel appearing for the appellant in W.A. No. 04/2017. Also heard Mr. A.R. Malhotra, learned counsel for the appellant in W.A. No. 4/2018. Mr. F. Lalengliana, learned counsel has appeared for the private respondent (writ petitioner) in both these appeals.

2. These intra-court appeals are directed against the judgment and order dated 06-05-2016 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.(C) No. 66/2016 preferred by the private respondent as writ petitioner directing the State Election Commission, i.e. the appellant in W.A. No. 04/2018 to take a decision on the question of maintainability of the election petition filed by him. In both these appeals, common questions of fact and law are involved, hence, we propose to dispose of both the appeals by this common order.

3. The facts of the case, briefly stated, are that respondent/ writ petitioner viz. Sri Michael Dl Kompa had contested the 10th General Election of the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) held on 26-11-2015 from the 4-Cheural Constituency as a candidate sponsored by the Mizo National Front (MNF).The appellant in W.A. No. 4/2017, viz. Sri L. Lawmkima was the oth