The Kerala High Court on Friday (July 31) sought the response of Kuttanad constituency MLA Reji Cheriyan to the the election petition challenging his victory in the recent Assembly elections.

Justice P.V. Balakrishnan today issued notice to the Congress MLA and posted the case to August 20.

The petition has not been numbered yet as certain defects were noted by the High Court Registry.

Independent candidate Jaisappam Mathai has preferred the election petition alleging that there was improper acceptance of nomination papers in violation of the Representation of People Act and that Cheriyan filed false affidavit without disclosing all pending criminal cases against him.

The plea thus prays for a declaration that Cheriyan's win was void.

Reji Cheriyan emerged as the returning candidate from Alappuzha's Kuttanad constituency by winning 56,594 votes. NCP-SP candidate Thomas K. Thomas emerged as runner-up with 35,994. A total of 8 candidates contested for the constituency.

The petition is moved by Advocate Sergi Joseph Thomas.

Case No: Filing No. El.Pet. 10/ 2026

Case Title: Jaisappan Mathai v. Reji Cheriyan