Bengaluru: In a significant political development, the Karnataka High Court has declared the election of Bagepalli Congress MLA S.N. Subbareddy invalid. The order was passed by a bench headed by Justice M.G.S. Kamal, bringing to a close a prolonged legal battle filed by defeated BJP candidate C. Muniraju.
In his petition, Muniraju had alleged that Subbareddy furnished false information in his election affidavit and committed electoral irregularities. He had also sought to be declared the winner as the runner-up candidate. However, while the High Court set aside Subbareddy’s election, it rejected Muniraju’s plea to declare him elected.
The court held that irregularities and false declarations in the affidavit stood proved, and on that basis declared the election invalid. Following the verdict, C. Muniraju addressed the media and elaborated on the case.
He said, “After the 2023 election, when I lost, we carefully examined what he had done. In his affidavit, he had allegedly misled the government and given false information to the public. Through our senior advocate Nalina Mayagowda, we filed a petition and placed every detail before the court. When all the facts were presented, the judge observed that wrongdoing remains wrongdoing whether it is big or small. Today, justice has been delivered. The people of Bagepalli are happy because several irregularities had been committed.”
When asked, “Even though the High Court accepted your complaint, it refused to declare you the winner. What next?” Muniraju responded, “We had sought that relief as there is a legal provision. Though the judge did not consider it, we are satisfied that his election has been set aside. I will discuss with our senior advocate and party high command before taking the next legal step.”
To another question, “What legal battle will you pursue now since the court has not declared you elected?” he said, “We will explore all legal options, whether to approach the Supreme Court or seek remedy through the Election Commission. I will consult our senior advocate on the available provisions and then decide the course ahead.”
On being asked if he was ready to contest again in case of a by-election, he replied, “I am ready. I am a disciplined soldier of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party had earlier given me responsibilities and also the B-form to contest from Bagepalli. I secured 63,000 votes. Whatever decision the high command takes, I will abide by it.”
The verdict has triggered fresh political ripples in Chikkaballapur district, and further legal moves are expected in the coming days.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬಾಗೇಪಲ್ಲಿ ಶಾಸಕ ಎಸ್.ಎನ್. ಸುಬ್ಬಾರೆಡ್ಡಿ ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಅಸಿಂಧು: ಹೈಕೋರ್ಟ್ ತೀರ್ಪು; ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಅಭ್ಯರ್ಥಿ ಮುಂದಿನ ಕಾನೂನು ಹೋರಾಟದ ಸುಳಿವು
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