Kochi, Nov. 9 (IANS): K M Shaji, an MLA from the Congress-led UDF’s IUML, was disqualified on Friday by the Kerala High Court for making communal overtures in his election campaign but got a two-week stay on the verdict from the same court later.
Justice P.D. Rajan declared Shaji ineligible to contest an election for six years. But when the politician filed a fresh petition to stay the verdict for a month as he needed time to approach the Supreme Court, the court granted him two weeks stay.
Rajan delivered the earlier verdict on a petition filed by journalist-turned-CPI-M candidate M.V. Nikesh Kumar, who finished second in the election. He also heard the new petition and stayed the verdict.
While Kumar’s counsel argued that Shaji should not get the benefits of a legislator as he had been disqualified, the court posted the case for further hearing for Tuesday.
Shaji retained the Azhikode constituency in Kannur district in a bitterly fought battle by a margin of 2,462 votes.
