The Kerala High Court on Monday (September 14) issued notice to Mani C. Kappan in the plea filed by businessman Dinesh Menon seeking his disqualification as Pala MLA following his conviction in four cheque bounce cases in Mumbai.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas today orally asked:

"What is the effect if sentence is suspended? Conviction is not stayed? If conviction is suspended also disqualification would not come?"

Government Pleader took notice on behalf of the State government and the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly. Standing counsel took notice on behalf of the Election Commission of India. Notice issued by special messenger to Kappan.

The Court granted time to the government pleader and standing counsel to get instructions and posted the case to Tuesday (September 22) for further consideration.

On September 1, the Additional Metropolitan Magistrate, Borivali, Mumbai - Judicial Magistrate (First Class), 43rd Court had convicted Kappan for the offences under the Negotiable Instruments Act based on the complaints preferred by Menon.

In one of the cases, Kappan was sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment for 1 year and directed to pay compensation of Rs. 1.2 crores, with default sentence. In the two other cases, imprisonment of one year each and compensation of Rs. 1.70 crores each was awarded. In the fourth case, Kappan was granted 6 months' imprisonment and liable to pay compensation of Rs. 70 lakhs. Thus, the imprisonment awarded totalled to 3 ½ years.

In the present plea, a direction is sought to the Speaker to declare the seat in Pala as vacant. Additionally, a direction is sought to the Election Commission of India to initiate proceedings for a bye-election in the constituency.

Menon had also approached the Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker seeking to disqualify Kappan with effect from the date of his conviction. However, no action has been taken on the same, prompting him to approach the High Court, states the plea.

The petition is moved by Advocates V. Sethunath, Thomas Abraham, Sreeganesh U. and Shamnas S.

Case No: WP(C) 31188/2026

Case Title: Dinesh Menon v. State of Kerala and Ors.