State election commission can’t interfere in panchayat vice-president’s election: Kerala HC

Kochi: High court has ruled that the state election commission (SEC) has no jurisdiction to interfere with an election conducted to the post of vice-president of a local self-govt institution once the election process is over. HC further observed that if any dispute arises regarding the election to the post of vice-president, the aggrieved parties must approach the jurisdictional court for redress.The bench of Justice P V Kunhikrishnan issued the ruling while setting aside SEC's order cancelling the election to the post of vice-president of the Kottangal grama panchayat in Pathanamthitta, citing a procedural error. HC was considering a petition filed by K K Harikumar of Kottangal whose election as panchayat vice-president was cancelled by the commission.In the first round of voting to the post, the petitioner, a BJP member representing Malambara ward, and Joseph (alias Sujith) of Indian National Congress secured five votes each, while SDPI's Anas Thoufeeq secured three votes.Since there was a tie, a draw of lots was conducted. Joseph's name was drawn and he was eliminated from the election process. Consequently, the petitioner was declared elected. However, the state election commission cancelled the election, alleging that the elimination of Joseph through draw of lots amounted to a procedural error. This prompted the petitioner to move HC.