(1)If the Judge after holding an enquiry is satisfied that-(a)the election of a returned candidate has been procured or induced, or the result of the election has been materially affected, by a corrupt practice, or(b)the election has not been a free election by reason of the general employment of bribery or undue influence as defined in Chapter IXA of the Indian Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860) or by reason of any form of general intimidation, including any form of social boycott, or(c)the result of the election has been materially affected by any noncompliance with the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder or by any mistake in the use of any form prescribed for an election or by any error, irregularity or informality on the part of any officer charged with or carrying out any duty under this Act or rules made thereunder,he shall declare the election of such candidate to be void and if the election is set aside for any cause which is the result of acts of a candidate or his agents may declare that candidate to be disqualified for the purpose of such fresh election as may be held under section 22.
