Kochi: A subcourt in Ernakulam on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by film producer Sandra Thomas, challenging the rejection of her nomination for the post of president of the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA). With the court’s decision, Sandra Thomas will no longer be able to contest for an office-bearer position in the KFPA election.

Sandra responded to the verdict on Facebook, calling it “unexpected and disappointing”. She added that she would consult legal experts before deciding on her next steps.

In the court, Sandra argued that she was eligible to contest for a position on the executive committee and had requested that the election process be put on hold temporarily. She claimed her nomination was rejected unlawfully and alleged that Returning Officer Koshi George was acting as a tool of the current office-bearers of the association. Sandra also sought to have the Returning Officer barred from overseeing the election.

Sandra had filed nominations for the posts of president, treasurer and executive committee member. The Returning Officer rejected her application on the grounds that she had not submitted the required number of films to prove her eligibility. Sandra claimed she had produced nine films in total—seven in collaboration with Friday Films and two under her own banner. However, the Returning Officer held that candidates must independently provide censor certificates for at least three films as sole producer.

Of the three certificates submitted by Sandra, the latest was for a film under the Friday Films banner, which the Returning Officer stated could not be considered. When she contested this, Sandra was advised to take the matter to court.