Even under Modi's rule, it has been proved that courts can uphold Constitution, HC verdict is strength for democracy: MA Baby

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM politburo member MA Baby said that the decision of the High Court to hold Rajya Sabha elections in the state by May 2, when the results of the assembly elections are released, is the strength for democracy. The Election Commission is not an institution that is bound to obey the orders of the ruling party. "The verdict is a testament to the fact that even under Narendra Modi's rule, the courts can uphold the Constitution," Baby said.

LDF convener A Vijayaraghavan said the High Court verdict was a setback for the Election Commission's withdrawal from democratic action. Vijayaraghavan said in Thrissur that the stand taken by the commission on the Rajya Sabha election issue was unfortunate. The High Court has directed that Rajya Sabha elections be held in the state by May 2. Existing legislators have the right to vote to elect members to the Rajya Sabha. The High Court ruled on the petitions filed by the Assembly Secretary on behalf of the government and S Sharma MLA on behalf of the CPM.