Peermade election case: HC rejects plea challenging election of Vazhoor Soman

Kochi: The High Court here on Friday dismissed a plea challenging the election of LDF candidate Vazhoor Soman in the 2021 Kerala Assembly polls from the Peermedu constituency in Idukki.

Justice Mary Joseph dismissed the election petition moved by UDF candidate Syriac Thomas, who lost to Soman in the Assembly polls. Responding to this, Thomas said that he would approach the Supreme Court.

Thomas alleged that Soman did not disclose complete information in the affidavit submitted along with the nomination paper. It was argued that information on Soman’s wife’s bank statement, PAN card, etc was not provided and that income tax returns of just one year were filed. 

Soman contested the election when he was in charge of the Warehousing Corporation. Pointing this out, Thomas raised the allegation of double duty in his petition.

Soman had testified in court that he did not conceal anything deliberately and that corrections were made with the permission of the electoral officer. While considering the case, the High Court sought details from the Election Commission. After due consideration of the facts, Cyriac Thomas’ petition was rejected.