Kerala High Court Upholds Electoral Rights of Young Candidate

Court Directs State Election Commission to Reconsider Voter List Deletion Over Technical Objections

In a landmark decision by the Kerala High Court, Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan ruled in favor of Vyshna S.L., a 24-year-old candidate from the Congress Party whose name was removed from the voters list due to technical objections. The case, Vyshna S.L. v. State Election Commission, revolved around objections made by a third party, Mr. Dhanesh Kumar, who claimed Vyshna was not a resident of the Muttada ward. Despite the lack of documentation supporting the claim, the Electoral Registration Officer had removed Vyshna's name from the voters list.

Vyshna, contesting in ward No.27 of the Muttada Division of Trivandrum Corporation, provided multiple proofs of residence including her Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, Driving License, and Passport, all indicating her residency in the relevant wards. The court noted the absence of adequate documentation from the objector and emphasized the importance of democratic principles over technicalities.

Expressing concern over potential political influence and the nearing deadline for nominations, Vyshna had appealed to the District Collector but feared her appeal might not be entertained. The High Court underscored the need for democracy to triumph over party politics, directing the State Election Commission to reassess the removal of Vyshna’s name from the voters list and pass appropriate orders by November 19, 2025. Justice Kunhikrishnan highlighted that the denial of electoral rights based on technical grounds should not impede the democratic process.

The ruling mandates Vyshna and the objector to appear before the State Election Commission for a hearing on November 18, 2025, with the aim of ensuring fairness in the electoral process. This judgment reinforces the judiciary's role in safeguarding individual rights in elections, stressing that democracy should prevail over procedural technicalities.

Bottom Line:

Electoral rights - A 24-year-old candidate's name deleted from voters list based on technical grounds and objections without proper documentation - Court emphasized that democracy should prevail over technicalities or party politics and directed the State Election Commission to consider the petitioner's documents and pass appropriate orders.

Statutory provision(s): Election Law, Right to contest elections

Vyshna S.L. v. State Election Commission, (Kerala) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2810113