The Kerala High Court on Monday (August 3) sought Perumbavoor MLA Manoj Moothedan's response to an election petition filed challenging his victory in the recent Assembly elections.

Justice G. Girish yesterday noted that since 2 out of the 8 defects noted in the election petition were to be looked into with respect to its very maintainability, the respondent candidates have to be heard:

"Two defects pertain to verification of the Annexures and the Election Petition under the provisions of Section 83(2) of the Representation of People Act. Since the aforesaid defects are to be looked into in the context of maintainability of the Election Petition, it appears to be necessary to issue notice to the respondents. Issue notice to respondents before numbering the Election Petition."

In addition to Manoj, the five other candidates, who contested in the constituency have been arrayed in the petition.

The case is posted to September 25 for further consideration.

Moothedan, representing the Indian National Congress (INC) had won 75,088 votes and emerged as the returning candidate. He was followed by Kerala Congress (M)'s Basil Paul, who won 46,654 votes.

Twenty 20 Party candidate Jibi Pathickal won 22497 votes, Bahujan Samaj Party's Adv. Prasanth got 657 votes whereas independent candidates Eldho George and Mohanan M.A. respectively won 1562 and 226 votes.

The petition is moved by Advocate Shaji Chirayath.

Case No: Filing No. El. Pet. No. 5 of 2026

Case Title: Seena v. Manoj M.P. v. Manoj Muthedan

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