Congress Lok Sabha member Kodikunnil Suresh, whose election from Mavelikara (Reserved) constituency has been declared void by the Kerala High Court, filed a petition on Tuesday, seeking a month’s stay on the judgement to enable him file an appeal in the Supreme Court.
The court had disqualified the five—time MP on Monday, holding that he was not entitled to claim the benefits and privileges available to members of the Scheduled Caste.
When the petition came up before Justice Nambiar today, the court posted it for tomorrow to enable respondents - defeated candidate K. S. Anil Kumar (CPI), who had challenged the election and two others to file their replies.
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Mr. Suresh said he intends to file an appeal before the apex Court, challenging the judgement.
The petitioner submitted that Parliament is in session from July 26 to August 27 and being a member of its SC-ST Welfare committee, has a ‘vital role’ to play in welfare of members of the SC-ST community.
If operation of the judgement is not stayed, he would not be able to take part in the committee proceedings, besides which he has given notice to raise questions in the Lok Sabha, he said, adding his presence in the House was essential.
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Mr. Suresh said he was also Secretary of the Congress Parliamentary party in which capacity he has to organise and convene meetings of party MPs to interact with ministers on vital matters during the Parliament session.
He said if operation of the judgement was not stayed, it will be a ‘great prejudice’ against the public interest and to him as MP and that his constituency would also suffer.
On Monday, the court found that Mr. Suresh had produced contradictory caste certificates issued by Tahsildars of Kottarakara and Nedumangad.
It had also criticised the action of the Returning Officer, observing that he should not have accepted the nomination without verifying whether Mr. Suresh was a member of Scheduled Caste or not.