Thiruvananthapuram, 17 March (H.S.):The Kerala High Court is set to deliver its order today on a petition filed by former MLA Antony Raju, seeking a stay on his conviction in a case related to tampering with court evidence. The verdict of the single bench is expected to have significant political implications, particularly as Raju is attempting to re-enter electoral politics from Thiruvananthapuram.

Antony Raju approached the High Court challenging both the three-year prison sentence awarded by the Nedumangad Magistrate Court and the subsequent order of the Thiruvananthapuram Sessions Court, which had refused to suspend the sentence. In his plea, Raju has requested the High Court to stay the conviction, arguing that failure to do so would prevent him from contesting elections under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, which disqualifies individuals sentenced to imprisonment of two years or more.

The Sessions Court had dismissed his appeal weeks earlier, prompting Raju to move the High Court. In his petition, he contended that both the trial court and the Sessions Court failed to adequately consider the evidence he had presented in his defence. He further argued that the Sessions Court’s refusal to suspend the sentence was legally untenable.

Raju also pointed out that he was a sitting MLA at the time of conviction and was subsequently disqualified from holding office. He has maintained that unless the conviction is stayed, he cannot regain his legislative membership or contest in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The case against Antony Raju dates back to his time as a practising lawyer at the Thiruvananthapuram Bar. He is accused of conspiring with a court official to tamper with evidence in a drug-related case in order to help the accused. Specifically, it is alleged that the underwear of the accused, which was part of the case evidence, was replaced to mislead the court.

The Magistrate Court found Raju guilty of manipulating material evidence and sentenced him to three years in prison. Following the conviction, he was disqualified from his position as an MLA.

With electoral prospects hanging in the balance, today’s High Court ruling is crucial for Antony Raju’s political future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman