1. The petitioners have challenged the rejection of their nomination papers to the election scheduled for Cantonment Board on 2. 1997. The grievance being common, the contesting respondents have filed common counters and hence all these petitions were heard together and decided by this common order.

2. Few dates and certain important facts are summarised hereunder.

3. The date of election to Cantonment Board was proclaimed on 112. 1996 and the schedule for election was also given. The last date for inclusion of names in Electoral Roll was fixed on 20.12.1996. On the same day effected publication of list of claims with notice inviting objections to such applications. The last date for receipt of objections to claim applications was fixed on 212. 1996. Disposal of the claims and objections by the President was fixed on 24 and 25th December, 1996 between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. The presentation of nomination papers for the election to the Returning Officer was fixed on 212. 1996 between 10 A.M. and 4. P.M. Place for the scrutiny of nomination paper was fixed at 5 P.M. nomination paper has to be scrutinized by the Returning Officer on 30.12.1996 between 10 A.M. and 5 P.M. Wit