Kochi: Kerala High Court has issued an order stating that the union elections of the Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University be held once again within two weeks. By issuing the order, High Court annulled the overwhelming victory of SFI leaders in the controversial union elections held last year. 

Justice C.P Mohammed Nias issued the ruling in response to the petition moved by MSF (Muslim Students Federation) activists Faisal Ibrayin Purackal, Ansira Begum, and Kamaria Sana challenging the dismissal and non-acceptance of their nomination papers.

The court held that there was a deliberate attempt to prevent the petitioners from contesting. It also observed that out of 43 candidates, all except those elected had withdrawn their nomination papers. 

The notification for the union election was issued on November 22, 2023. On November 24, Faisal submitted his nomination letter to contest for the post of General Secretary. However, his nomination was rejected without specifying any reason. The petitioner further stated that despite standing in wait to file their nominations for the positions of Chairperson and Sports Secretary, Ansira and Kamaria were unable to do so because they did not receive tokens. 

The University contended that Faisal’s nomination was rejected for failing to mention the serial number correctly and that the other petitioners never submitted their nomination papers to the Returning Officer. It also dismissed setting up any token system during the filing of the nomination. 

However, the petitioners pointed out that on November 25, when the final candidate list was to be published, the SFI candidates were declared winners unopposed.