The Kerala High Court on Wednesday issued notice to Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi, in response to a petition challenging his election as a Member of Parliament from the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency in 2024.[Binoy AS v Suresh Gopi]
Justice Kauser Edappagath directed Gopi, the lone BJP MP from Kerala in the Lok Sabha, to respond to the summons by November 22.
The petitioner, Binoy AS, an All India Youth Federation leader and a voter from the Thrissur constituency, moved the Court contesting the election results announced on June 4 which declared Gopi as the winner of the parliamentary elections from Thrissur.
Binoy claimed that during the election campaign leading up to the polling date of April 26, Gopi, his election agent and associates engaged in various corrupt practices as defined under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 defines various acts that are considered "corrupt practices" during elections in India, including bribery, undue influence, promoting enmity between different classes of citizens based on religion, caste, or language, and using religious appeals to solicit votes; essentially outlining the actions that can disqualify a candidate from an election if they are found to engage in them.
Specifically, Gopi misused religious symbols to appeal to voters and also promised gifts including mobile phones to induce electoral support, Binoy contended.
The petitioner also highlighted certain videos posted on social media showing Gopi allegedly offering monetary incentives to potential voters.
Additionally, the petition highlighted the involvement of a campaigner in Gopi's election campaign, who urged voters to think of certain Hindu deity while voting for him, while also inducing the voters by using various other religious symbols associated with Lord Ram.
In light of these, Gopi's election should be nullified, it was argued.
Advocates PR Reena, Santhosh Peter, Sumesh KB and Rakesh K appeared for Binoy.
[Read Order]