Kochi, 30 July (H.S.): The Kerala High Court has issued notice to Payyanur MLA V. Kunjikrishnan on an election petition filed by his defeated rival, T.I. Madhusoodanan, challenging the validity of the legislator's victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.

Madhusoodanan, who contested from the Payyanur Assembly constituency, has sought to have the election declared void, alleging that Kunjikrishnan secured victory by resorting to false and defamatory campaign propaganda that unfairly influenced voters.

According to the petition, a sustained campaign was carried out during the election portraying Madhusoodanan as a person involved in the alleged misappropriation of funds related to the Rakshasakshi Fund. The petitioner contended that the allegations were completely baseless and were made without any supporting documents or evidence.

The petition further stated that speeches delivered during the election campaign projected him as a tainted individual, thereby damaging his public image and misleading the electorate. Madhusoodanan argued that the false narrative created during the campaign had a direct impact on voters and materially affected the outcome of the election.

Based on the petition, the High Court has issued notice to V. Kunjikrishnan, seeking his response to the allegations raised by the petitioner.

However, the court also noted that the election petition appears to have certain procedural defects. Before proceeding with a detailed examination of the allegations, the High Court will first determine whether the petition is legally maintainable. Only if it satisfies the statutory requirements governing election petitions will the court take up the matter for further consideration.

The issuance of notice does not amount to a finding on the merits of the allegations. The High Court will first decide the question of maintainability before considering the substantive claims made by the petitioner. The outcome of that preliminary scrutiny will determine whether the challenge to Kunjikrishnan's election proceeds to a full hearing.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman