The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that KM Shaji, disqualified by Kerala High Court on grounds of ballot manipulation, can take part in the state Assembly sessions that commences 27 November.
However the apex court rejected his plea for urgent hearing to stay the High Court order, that bans him from holding office for six years. The bench also clarified that, Shaji cannot claim perks warranted by MLA position.
The Azhikode MLA’s dethronement came about on a petition filed by his political opponent Nikesh Kumar who ran for office on LDF ticket and ended up 2nd in the race.
In his petition, Nikesh alleged that, Shaji won by margin of 2,287 votes, after violating norms prescribed under various sections of Representation of Peoples Act. Shaji was found guilty accused of distributing communally toned pamphlets to appeal people belonging to the minority religion.