The Kerala High Court on Thursday (July 30) sought the response of Payyannur MLA V. Kunhikrishnan in the election petition filed by CPI(M) leader T.I. Madhusoodhanan challenging the former's recent victory in the 2026 Assembly Elections.

Justice G. Girish today issued notice to the MLA and posted the case to September 8 for further consideration.

V. Kunhikrishnan contested as an independent candidate at Payyannur constituency. He was expelled from the CPI(M) after raising allegations regarding misappropriation of martyr's funds.

Kunhikrishnan won the seat by a margin of 7487 seats, defeating Madhusoodhanan, BJP candidate A.P. Gangadharan, and independent candidate Sandeep V.K. He had received a total of 76640 votes while Madhusoodhanan came in a close second with 69,153 votes.

He had written the book "Nethruthwathe Anigal Thiruthanam", which is stated to be an exposé on irregularities and mismanagement of martyrs funds and other funds by some of the leaders of CPI(M), including former MLA Madhusoodhanan T.I.

To release the book, he had approached the High Court seeking police protection.

The petition is moved by Advocates M.V. Amaresan, S.S. Aravind and Tinu Abraham.

Case No: Filing Number El.Pet. 6/2026

Case Title: T.I. Madhusoodhanan v. V. Kunhikrishnan and Ors.