In a first-of-its-kind move, the Supreme Court of India directly ordered the recounting of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for a Haryana panchayat election, overturning the original poll result and declaring Mohit Kumar as the new Sarpanch of Buana Lakhu village, Panipat.

SC Conducts Recount on Its Premises

The recount was conducted inside the Supreme Court premises on August 6, 2025, by OSD (Registrar) Kaveri, in the presence of both candidates and their lawyers. The process was fully video-recorded to ensure transparency.

Following the recount, Mohit Kumar secured 1,051 votes, defeating rival Kuldeep Singh, who received 1,000 votes. The court directed the Deputy Commissioner-cum-Election Officer, Panipat to officially notify Kumar’s victory within two days.

“The appellant shall immediately take charge as Sarpanch and perform his duties,” the Bench, led by Justice Surya Kant along with Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, ordered.

Dispute Over 2022 Sarpanch Election

The controversy stemmed from the November 22, 2022 election where Kuldeep Singh was declared the winner. Mohit Kumar challenged the result before the Panipat Election Tribunal, which on April 22, 2025, ordered a recount of Booth No. 69. This recount was scheduled for May 7, 2025.

However, on July 1, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed the tribunal’s order. Kumar then appealed to the Supreme Court.

SC Expands Scope of Recount

On July 31, 2025, the Supreme Court directed that all EVMs from Booths 65 to 70 be brought to the court for a full recount, not just the disputed booth. The judges insisted the process be video-graphed and conducted in the presence of representatives from both sides.

The recount confirmed Kumar’s lead, and the court set aside the High Court’s decision, officially declaring him the elected Sarpanch.

Legal Window Still Open

The Bench clarified that both parties could still raise any remaining disputes before the Election Tribunal.

This case marks the first time in Indian judicial history that the Supreme Court has personally overseen an EVM recount, setting a significant precedent for election-related disputes in India.