Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on CPI(M) Leader's Election Challenge

The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on CPI(M) leader A Raja's plea against a Kerala High Court order that nullified his election from Devikulam Assembly seat, which is reserved for the SC community. The court examined claims regarding Raja's religious status and his eligibility to contest the seat.

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on CPI(M) leader A Raja's plea challenging a Kerala High Court ruling that nullified his election from Devikulam Assembly seat in Idukki district.

Congress leader D Kumar, the runner-up in the 2021 Assembly polls, alleged Raja was ineligible to contest the SC-reserved seat, claiming that Raja was a Christian who faked his SC certificate.

Raja contested these claims, asserting his Hindu Parayan heritage in Kerala, supported by a caste certificate. The high court had found inconsistencies in Raja's assertions and declared his election void.

(With inputs from agencies.)