General Elections 2024: Plea In Kerala High Court Alleges Voter Fraud By CPI(M) In Vadakara, Seeks To Video Record Polling Process

Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen has posted the plea, which seeks video recording of the polling process and deployment of central forces in 1186 polling booths of the constituency, on April 19 for the statement of the Election Commission. Polling in the region is set for 26th this month.

The plea alleged that even though various steps were taken by the Election Commission to ensure a free and fair election, bogus voting and election atrocities continue taking place in the Vadakara constituency. It is stated that the Vadakara constituency including areas from Kannur and Calicut districts are hypersensitive areas.

It is alleged that bogus votes are cast in the name of persons, who were dead, abroad or working elsewhere. The plea alleges that there are high chances that CPI(M) might cadres attack voters and rival party workers to sabotage a free and fair election.

It is further alleged that polling officers or police officers who are deputed for election duty are persons with political affiliation and would aid the CPI(M) cadres to cast bogus votes. It is also alleged that police officials in the state who owe allegiance to CPI(M) would not be able to prevent such attacks on voters or rival political parties.

“The Congress party workers are the political rivals of CPI(M) in the state of Kerala more particularly in Kasargod, Kannur and Calicut districts. Even though the state police is in receipt of all information regarding illegal activities so also the criminal intimidation, that is resorted by CPIM workers, no actions are taken yet, since most of the police personnel are behaving like party workers of the Government in office surrendering their identity and duty as police officers”, alleged the plea.

It is stated that the petitioner as well as Shafi Parambil has submitted their grievances before the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer, however, no actions have been taken so far. 

The petition is moved by Senior Advocate George Poonthottam, Advocates Nisha George, A.L.Navaneeth Krishnan, Sidharth.R.Wariyar,, Kavya Varma M. M., Anshin K.K.

Case Title: Adv K Praveen Kumar v The Election Commission of India

Case Number: WP(C) 15968/2024