A Raja can continue as MLA; SC upholds Devikulam elections

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has quashed the Kerala High Court order quashing the Devikulam election. The Supreme Court gave its verdict on the plea filed by A Raja, the MLA of the constituency and CPM leader. With this, A Raja can continue as an MLA. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Augustine George Masih pronounced the verdict after hearing the arguments. The opponent is D Kumar of the UDF.

The high court quashed the Devikulam election, stating that Raja is a converted Christian and cannot claim Scheduled Caste reservation. The Supreme Court had heard detailed arguments on issues including the legality of Raja's caste certificate. The Supreme Court had issued an interim order in April 2023, allowing Raja to continue as an MLA with conditions.