'Why Do You Want To Contest From Varanasi?' Supreme Court Rejects Tamil Nadu Farm Activist's Plea To Extend Time To File Nomination

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (May 15) refused to entertain a writ petition filed by Tamil Nadu-based farmers' leader P Ayyakannu who wanted to contest the Lok Sabha elections from the Varanasi constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Disinclined to consider the issue of granting an extension of time to file his nomination, the Court termed the petition as 'Publicity Interest Litigation.' 

It is relevant to note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contesting from Varanasi.

The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and SC Sharma inquired as to why the farmers' leader, who has spent decades working for the people in the South, was inclined to contest elections from Varanasi altogether. 

"You have been working for 30 years in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, why do you want to contest from Varanasi that too on the last day you want to come here?” Justice Nath said.

The judge went on to say that the whole purpose of the petition was publicity and its dismissal will also become a news.

P Ayyakannu had sought an extension of time for filling his nomination in Varanasi. It was the contention of Ayyakannu's counsel Mr Mahendra that the last date for filing was May 14 and that Prime Minister Modi had also filed his nomination yesterday itself . 

"Even the Prime Minister filed a nomination yesterday. My Lord up to 14 (May) is the last date" 

Seemingly disinclined to entertain the petition further, Justice Nath initially asked if the Counsel would like to withdraw the petition. He remarked that the intent of the petitioner was to only gain publicity. 

" You want to withdraw, we can allow you to withdraw, you want to dismiss, we can dismiss it.....these are all Publicity Interest Litigation...total publicity. If we start commenting in the order then it will be difficult for you." 

The Counsel however requested that the Election Commission of India be directed to allow the petitioner to make an 'e-file' nomination. 

" Now the ECI has not provided for filing on the e-file nomination, I may be permitted to file e-file nomination, it's not permissible, if your lordships may direct it." 

Justice Nath posed as to why the petitioner who is a farmers' leader based out of Tamil Nadu would want to contest elections from Varanasi as he has never engaged in any kind of social work in the said constituency. 

"You have never worked in the Constituency (of Varanasi), not a single day. Why should the people of Varanasi vote for you? you give me one reason....why don't you file and contest in Tamil Nadu?” 

Case Details : P. Ayyakannu, President, National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturist Association v. The Chief Election Commission & Ors WP (C) No. 333/2024