2024 INSC 391 REPORTABLE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL N0. 1389 OF 2024 (Arising out of SLP (C) No.11136 of 2023) SHEIKH NOORUL HASSAN … APPELLANT VERSUS NAHAKPAM INDRAJIT SINGH & ORS. … RESPONDENT(S) J U D G M E N T MANOJ MISRA, J. 1. This appeal is directed against the order of the High Court of Manipur at Imphal1 dated 14.03.2023, whereby leave has been granted to the election petitioner (the first respondent herein) to file a replication in answer to the new facts asserted in the written statement filed by the returned candidate (the appellant herein). 1 High Court Civil Appeal No. ____ of 2024 Page 1 of 30Factual Matrix 2. The first respondent filed an election petition seeking a declaration that the election of the returned candidate, namely, the appellant herein, is null and void under: (a) Section 100(1) (d) (i) (ii) and (iv); and (b) Section 100 (1) (b) of the Representation of Peoples Act, 19512. In addition, thereto, a prayer was