Kerala HC Overrules Registry Objection, Orders Election Petition to Be Numbered

Justice Easwaran S. of the Kerala High Court overruled a registry objection and directed the numbering of an election petition filed by Advocate Mathew Kunnappally against five respondents from Kannur, with the matter listed for 10 August 2026.

On 6 August 2026, Justice Easwaran S., sitting singly at the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam, overruled an objection raised by the registry against the filing of an election petition and directed that the petition be formally numbered. The petitioner, Advocate Mathew Kunnappally of Keezhur P.O., Iritty, Kannur, had filed the petition as Filing No. 1 of 2026. The matter was listed for hearing on 10 August 2026.

The Election Petition and Its Parties

The petition names five respondents, all with addresses in the Kannur district. The first respondent is Advocate Sajeev Joseph of Ulickal P.O., Vayathur, Kannur. The remaining respondents are Sreenath Pathmanaban of Eruvessy, Kannur; P.V. Joseph Parikkappallil of Ulickal P.O., Vayathur; M.J. Mathew of Kanhirangad, Kuttiyeri, Kannur; and Amal K.T. of Nellikkutty P.O., Kannur.

The petitioner was represented by a team led by T. Krishnanunni (Senior Advocate), along with Vinod Ravindranath, Meena A., M.R. Mini, Anish Antony Anathazhath, Thareeq Anver K., Nivedhitha Prem V., Ananthakrishnan A. Kartha, Mariya Joseph, Ameera Jojo, and Stephen V. Thomas.

Registry Objection and the Court's Direction

Before the petition could be assigned a regular election petition number, the registry raised an objection to its receipt or presentation. The nature of the objection is not detailed in the order. Justice Easwaran S. addressed the objection through a separate order passed on the same day, 6 August 2026, and overruled it. Consequent to that finding, the court directed the registry to number the election petition and listed the matter for 10 August 2026.

Order

By order dated 6 August 2026, Justice Easwaran S. overruled the registry's objection vide a separate order of the same date and directed the registry to number the election petition. The case was listed for further proceedings on 10 August 2026.