HC admits writ against Pillai's candidature

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, APRIL 27. A writ petition seeking a direction to the Chief Election Commissioner to disqualify Mr. R. Balakrishna Pillai, former Power Minister and Kerala Congress(B) leader, from contesting the Assembly polls was admitted by a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court.

The petition filed by Mr. L.K. Prabhu of Kochi sought Mr. Pillai's disqualification on the ground that he had been convicted and sentenced in two criminal cases - Graphite case and Idamalayar case.

The Bench comprising Mr. Justice M.R. Hariharan Nair and Ms. Justice A. Lakshmikutty issued notice to the respondents including the State Government, Chief Secretary and the Election Commission.

The petition also pleaded that Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 be declared illegal and unconstitutional.

Section 8(4) has exempted MPs and MLAs who have filed within three months, an appeal against the conviction and sentence awarded by the lower court to them, from disqualifying from contesting the polls.

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Section  : Southern States
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