Monday, August 8 2005 17:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kochi: The Kerala High Court today (Aug 8, 2005) declared as void the election of Joseph M Puthuserry of Kerala Congress (Mani) from Kalloopara Assembly constituency in 2001.

Justice R Basant issued the order while allowing the election petition of T S John of the Kerala Congress (Joseph), a defeated candidate.

The court found Puthuserry guilty of corrupt practices under Sect 123 (4) of the Representation of Peoples (RP) Act.

In the Assembly elections held on May 10, 2001, Joseph M Puthuserry had secured 42,238 votes, while John 31,013 votes.

The court found that ignoring the stipulation on close of electoral campaign, pamphlets, personally attacking John's character, were distributed extensively by Puthuserry, his election agents and workers of the UDF with his consent on May 8 and 9.

The court recorded the evidence of 90 witnesses of the petitioner and 53 of the respondent.

Puthuserry has been directed to pay the cost to the petitioner.