Kolar, 16 Feb

The Karnataka High Court on Monday set aside the election of Congress MLA SN Subba Reddy from the Bagepalli assembly constituency in 2023 and declared the result as invalid, citing irregularities in his nomination affidavit.

The bench headed by Justice MGS Kamal pronounced the judgement on a writ petition filed by the defeated candidate C Muniraju of the BJP who contended that Subba had concealed certain facts regarding his assets and sources of income.  

Muniraju had sought the quashing of the election of Subba Reddy and declaring him (Muniraju) as the winner. The court, however, partially allowed his request by setting aside the Subba’s election, but refused todeclare Muniraju the winner. 

Subba’s had contended that the petition was politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his image. However, Muniraju placed documentary evidence before the court to support his claim.

The court directed that its order be communicated to the Election Commission of India and the Karnataka Legislature Secretariat.

With the verdict, Bagepalli is left without an electedrepresentative. Political observers believe a by-election may be announced soon unless the Supreme Court of India stays the order.

Subba’s counsel sought an immediate stay on the judgment, but the High Court declined. The Congress leader is now considering approaching the Supreme Court in appeal.