Section 288(1) in The Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Act and of any rules made thereunder every election petition shall be heard by the authorised officer in accordance with the procedure applicable under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 (5 of 1908) to the trial of suits; and decided within a period of six months from the date of presentation under section 284 :Provided that the authorised officer shall have the discretion to refuse, for reasons to be recorded in writing to examine any witness or witnesses, if he is of the opinion that their evidence is not material for the decision of the petition or that the party tendering such witness or witnesses is doing on frivolous grounds or with a view to delay the proceedings.
