Rakesh Kumar Jain, J.

1. This appeal has been preferred by Jagir Singh against the order of Addl.Deputy Commissioner (General)-cum-Election Tribunal, Gurdaspur, dated 12.10.2009, vide which election petitioner Rajwinder Kaur has been declared to have been elected in the general category and election of Jagir Singh (appellant) has been set aside.

2. General election to constitute Gram Panchayats in the State of Punjab were held in the month of May. 2008 including the Gram Panchayat of village Bhattiwal, Block Sri Hargobindpur, Tehsil Batala, District Gurdaspur. This Gram Panchayat comprises of even seats of Panches, which are bifurcated as under:-

(i) General :3 (ii) General (Women) :1 (iii) S.C :2 (iv) S.C. (Women) :1 Total :7

3 12 candidates filed their nomination papers against the seven seats. Out of total 1371 voters of the village, 1094 voters exercised their right to vote. Gut of which 35 votes were cancelled whereas 1059 votes were declared valid. The election petitioner (Rajwinder Kaur) polled 338 votes and Karanveer Kaur polled 385 votes and as such, she was declared elected in the category of General (Women) defeating the election petitioner. In the General Catego