The Kerala High Court on Wednesday held as maintainable a petition challenging Bharatiya Janata Party MP Suresh Gopi’s poll victory during the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Thrissur, Bar and Bench reported.

This means that the petition can be heard on its merits.

Justice Kauser Edappagath rejected the Union minister’s preliminary objections seeking dismissal of the petition, ruling that they “must fail” and that the election petition “is not liable to be dismissed” at the outset.

However, the court struck off one allegation related to the distribution of shade umbrellas to vegetable vendors, stating that this specific claim would not form part of the trial.

It added that Gopi would face trial “for the other corrupt practices alleged in the petition”, Bar and Bench reported.

The petition was filed by Binoy AS, an All India Youth Federation leader and voter from Thrissur. He sought that the actor’s election be declared void under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.

The petitioner alleged that Gopi, his election agent and associates engaged in “corrupt practices”, including invoking religious sentiments, using religious imagery in campaign material and promising monetary or other benefits to influence voters during the election campaign.

The petition contains references to campaign materials, including flex boards depicting Gopi alongside images of Hindu deities Krishna and Radha as well...

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