Kochi, March 27: The Kerala High Court has instructed the Election Commission of India to consider a complaint against BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan within two months. This complaint alleges that Gopalakrishnan made communal remarks during the ongoing assembly election campaign in Guruvayoor.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued this directive while addressing a writ petition filed by Gokul, a leader of the Kerala Students Union (KSU). The petitioner sought action against the NDA candidate, accusing him of violating election laws through alleged communal posts on social media.
Gopalakrishnan, contesting from the Guruvayoor assembly constituency, had posted content claiming that opposition parties failed to field Hindu candidates in the region. These comments prompted legal action, leading the Guruvayoor temple police station to register a case under the Indian Penal Code and the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.
During the hearing, the court noted that an FIR had already been filed regarding this incident, and the controversial video had been removed. The court also found that the petitioner had previously contacted the Election Commission with a formal complaint, which is still pending.
In its order, the court emphasized that since the legal remedies available before the Election Commission have not been fully utilized, it would be prudent for the ECI to make a well-considered decision on the matter.
Citing the ongoing election process, the court refrained from making any substantive comments on the merits of the allegations. It stated, “As the elections have already commenced, it is inappropriate for the court to make any remarks that could affect the proposed elections.” The court also directed the ECI to resolve this complaint within two months of receiving the order.
With this directive, the petition has been disposed of, leaving the Election Commission to determine the next steps in this politically sensitive case.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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