Kerala High Court noted that elected representatives could be disqualified under anti-defection law if they join a political party after winning a local-body election as independent candidates.
The verdict came in the backdrop of a petition challenging the Election Commission of India’s decision to disqualify Sheeba George, president of Keerampara Panchayat in Kothamangalam.
The Division Bench of the High Court upheld the decision of the Election Commission by noting that the anti-defection law was enacted to uphold constitutional values, democratic systems and rule of law.
The court noted that strict action should be taken in the matter to restore people’s faith in democracy and elections.
Meanwhile, the court rejected Sheeba’s appeal against the Single Bench judgment, which upheld the decision of the Election Commission.
Earlier, Election Commission disqualified the election of Sheeba after she contested as an independent candidate and won the election. When she took oath as a member, she signed that she contested and won as an independent candidate of CPM.
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