SC reinstates CPI(M) MLA A Raja, sets aside Kerala HC order

The Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed the Kerala High Court's decision that had annulled the election of CPI(M) legislator A Raja from the Devikulam Assembly constituency in the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections.

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A bench comprising justices AS Oka and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah allowed the appeal filed by Raja challenging the March 23, 2023 judgment of the Kerala High Court, which had held that Raja was not eligible to contest from the Scheduled Caste-reserved seat as he was allegedly not a member of the 'Hindu Parayan' community within the state of Kerala.

Pronouncing the verdict, Justice Amanullah stated, "The judgment rendered by the High Court is set aside and the election petition stands dismissed. The appellant is entitled to all consequential benefits as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the entire period."