Kerala High Court Seeks Election Commission's Stand On Political Party's Plea Against Alleged Proposal To Set Up Polling Booth At Mosque

Political party Twenty 20 along with a Ward member have moved the Kerala High Court challenging Kizhakkambalam Panchayat body's proposal to fix the polling booth (in Kummanodu Ward) for the upcoming local body elections at a Mosque (Madrasathul Islamiya).When the matter came up for consideration on Monday (September 8), Justice C.S. Dias gave time to the State Election Commission to file its statement in the case.According to the plea, fixation of polling stations inside religious places is in violation of clause 9 of the circular issued by the State Election Commission. As per the petitioners, the intent behind the clause was to avoid giving the impression that the election process is being influenced by a particular religion.It is also stated in the plea that the fixation of polling booths at religious places would indirectly influence voters, in favour of a candidate or political party associated with that particular religion. Moreover, since there is a chance for communal disputes during sensitives times like elections, it would be preferable to choose neutral places like schools or government buildings for the same, it is stated.The petitioners produced the copy of the minutes of the meeting convened by the Secretary of Kizhakkambalam Panchayat (4th respondent) and alleged that the same did not note the objections made by the petitioner party in fixing Madrasathul Islamiya as one of the polling booths. It is also added that in the subsequent meeting held a month later, the representatives of various political parties had raised objections stating that the minutes did not properly record all the recommendations and discussion made during the meeting.As per the petitioners, there was widespread violence during the 2020 elections and its members were brutally attacked in the polling station Madrasathul Islamiya. Though there was a complaint made before the 3rd respondent Deputy Collector (Election), the same has not been considered, it is said. Thus, the petitioners have sought interference of the High Court in order to “preserve neutrality, secularism, voter confidence, and communal harmony, ensuring that every citizen can cast their vote in an atmosphere free from religious influence or intimidation”. The case will be heard again on Monday (September 15).The petition is moved by Advocates Blaze K. Jose, Gayathri A.L., Afrus ShahanaCase No: WP(C) 32324/2025Case Title: Twenty 20 Party and Anr. v. State Election Commission, Kerala and Ors.

Kerala High Court Seeks Election Commission's Stand On Political Party's Plea Against Alleged Proposal To Set Up Polling Booth At Mosque

K. Salma Jennath

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