Kerala High Court asks Assembly Speaker to act on Pala MLA Mani C Kappan's disqualification
1 October 2026
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas of the Kerala High Court directed the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly to take appropriate steps, as he feels fit and in accordance with law, on the plea to disqualify Pala MLA Mani C Kappan.
The court said the Speaker must act bearing in mind the provisions of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, at the earliest and without undue delay.
The petition was filed by businessman Dinesh Menon after Kappan was convicted in four cheque dishonour cases.
The convictions carried sentences adding up to three and a half years of imprisonment.
The plea invoked Article 192 of the Constitution and Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act.
The High Court did not record findings on the merits and left the decision to the Speaker.
In plain words
Article 192 Article 192 of the Constitution of India — It provides that questions about a sitting member's disqualification in a State legislature are decided by the Governor, on the Election Commission's opinion.
RP Act Representation of the People Act, 1951 — Section 8(3) disqualifies a convicted legislator sentenced to imprisonment of two years or more.