The Karnataka High Court has invalidated the election of Congress legislator K Y Nanjegowda, who represents the Malur constituency in Kolar district, and directed a recount of votes polled in the 2023 state assembly elections.
The verdict came from a bench led by Justice R Devadas, which was hearing an election petition filed by BJP candidate KS Manjunath Gowda, who narrowly lost to Nanjegowda in the polls.
Manjunath Gowda had alleged serious irregularities during the counting process and sought judicial intervention. After nearly two years of proceedings, the High Court found merit in his claims and ordered a recount of the votes, simultaneously declaring Nanjegowda’s election invalid.
However, the bench granted interim relief to the sitting MLA. Acting on a plea by Nanjegowda’s counsel, the court stayed its own order for 30 days, giving him an opportunity to challenge the verdict before the Supreme Court of India.
“If the apex court does not intervene within this period, the MLA’s seat will stand vacated,” the High Court clarified.
