Thiruvananthapuram, November 9: Indian Union Muslim League ( IUML) MLA KM Shaji was disqualified by Kerala High Court for using communal overtones in his campaign during the assembly polls in 2016. The petition was filed by Left backed Independent candidate and media personality MV Nikesh Kumar who had lost against Shaji. MV Nikesh Kumar had lost to KM Shaji from the Azhikode seat in May, 2016.

Kumar in his petition has alleged that IUML candidate KM Shaji circulated pamphlets urging voters not to vote for "non-Muslim candidates." The Kerala High Court not only ordered the disqualification of MLA KM Shaji, but also directed Shaji to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation amount as part of the judgement. The court asked the State Election Commission and the Speaker of the Assembly to take the necessary action against the disqualified MLA.

Nikesh Kumar had also demanded that he should be announced the winner on the Azhikode seat following the verdict, but the Kerala High Court dismissed that demand. The court has said that re-elections will be held on the seat. Meanwhile, disqualified MLA KM Shaji has said that he will challenge the Kerala HC  verdict in Supreme Court.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 09, 2018 01:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).