JUDGMENT :

Nelson Sailo, J.

Heard Mr. A.R. Malhotra, the learned counsel for the petitioners. Also heard Mr. C. Lalramzauva, the learned senior counsel assisted by Ms. Emily L. Chhangte for the respondent Nos. 2 to 16. Mr. B. Lalramenga, the learned counsel appears for respondent No.1, while Mr. C. Zoramchhana, the learned Addl. Advocate General appears for respondent No.17 and they submit that the respondents they represent will not be filing any affidavit-in-opposition.

2. Brief facts of the case may be noticed at the outset. The petitioners are elected members to the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) and they belong to the Indian National Congress (INC) political party. The respondent Nos. 4, 5, 6 and 7 are also elected members to the LADC from the INC party while the respondent No. 8, is an elected independent candidate who supported the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) after being elected. The respondent Nos. 9 to 16 are elected members from the Mizo National Front (MNF) party. Be it stated herein that there are 25 seats in the LADC and against which, the petitioners and the private respondents have been elected. In addition to this, 3 members have been nominated by the Gove