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Key Points

The Supreme Court has reinstated CPI(M) leader A Raja as Devikulam MLA, overturning the Kerala High Court's 2023 decision. The HC had voided his 2021 election, claiming the SC-reserved seat was invalid due to his Christian faith. Raja challenged the ruling, leading to the SC restoring his position with full benefits. The case originated from a petition by Congress candidate D Kumar.

Key Points: Supreme Court Reinstates CPI(M)'s A Raja as Devikulam MLA

  • SC overturns Kerala HC's 2023 voiding of Raja's election
  • Raja regains MLA status with full benefits
  • HC had ruled his election invalid for SC-reserved seat
  • Case stemmed from Congress candidate D Kumar's petition
2 min read

Supreme Court reinstates A. Raja as Devikulam MLA, overturns Kerala HC verdict

SC overturns Kerala HC verdict, reinstates CPI(M) MLA A Raja with full benefits after election dispute over SC-reserved seat.

"The bench upheld Raja's election and granted him all consequential benefits as an MLA. – Supreme Court"

New Delhi, May 6

The Supreme Court on Tuesday has set-aside the Kerala High Court's decision to invalidate the 2021 election of Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M) Devikulam MLA , A Raja from Devikulam constituency in Kerala.

A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra upheld A. Raja's election and dismissed the election petition filed against him. The bench also granted him all consequential benefits as a member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly which the CPI (M) leader had lost due to the cancellation of his election by the High Court.

The Kerala High Court had in March, 2023 held A. Raja's election from Devikulam in the 2021 State assembly elections as void, by ruling that the seat in the concerned constituency had been reserved for a Schedule Caste (SC) candidate.

The High Court had reasoned that since A. Raja was professing Christianity at the time, his election to a seat reserved for an SC candidate was invalid as per the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Raja's election had been challenged by D. Kumar, the Congress candidate from the concerned constituency.

Raja had challenged the High Court's decision by moving the top-court. On Tuesday, the Court allowed Raja's appeal and reinstated him as an MLA.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a landmark judgment! The Supreme Court has rightly upheld democratic principles. Religion shouldn't determine eligibility for reserved seats - it's about social backwardness. Kerala HC's decision was regressive. 👏
P
Priya M.
While I respect SC's decision, this case shows how complex our reservation system is. Maybe time to review the criteria? The original petitioner had a valid point too - the law needs clearer interpretation.
S
Sanjay V.
Good decision! A. Raja has been working hard for Devikulam. Why punish people for technicalities? Development matters more than paperwork. Hope he continues his good work now without these distractions.
A
Ananya R.
As someone from Kerala, I'm relieved! This was just political gamesmanship by Congress. The people chose Raja, and that should be respected. Our courts have shown wisdom today. #JusticePrevails
K
Karthik N.
Interesting verdict. Shows how our legal system can correct itself. But this case took 2 years! MLA salaries and benefits for that period? Taxpayers deserve faster resolution in such matters.
M
Meena S.
This judgment sets an important precedent. Reservation is about addressing historical injustice, not policing personal faith. Kudos to SC for seeing the bigger picture! 🙌

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