Section 76 in The Maharashtra Specified Co-operative Societies Elections to Committees Rules, 1971
76. Trial of election petitions.
(1)Every election petition shall be tried by the Commissioner :Provided that, the Commissioner 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 evidence of such witness or witnesses is not material for the decision of the petition or that the party tendering such witness or witnesses is doing so on frivolous grounds or with a view to delay the proceedings.(2)The Commissioner may dismiss an election petition which does not comply with the provisions of Rule 74.(3)Any candidate not already a respondent shall, upon application made by him to the Commissioner within fourteen days from the date of the commencement of the trial and subject to the provision of Rule 90, be entitled to be joined as a respondent.(4)The Commissioner may, upon such terms as to costs and otherwise as he may deem fit, allow the particulars of any corrupt practice alleged in the petition to be amended or amplified in such manner as may in his opinion be necessary for ensuring a fair and effective trial of the petition, but shall not allow any amendment of the petition which will have the effect of introducing particulars of a corrupt practice not previously alleged in the petition.
