Kerala High Court asks the Assembly Speaker to decide on the disqualification of Pala MLA Mani C Kappan
1 October 2026
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas of the Kerala High Court disposed of a writ petition filed by Dinesh Menon seeking a declaration that Pala MLA Mani C Kappan stands disqualified.
The Court directed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Kerala to take appropriate steps as he feels fit in accordance with law, at the earliest and without undue delay.
Kappan was convicted on September 1, 2026 in four cheque dishonour cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
The petition had also sought that a bye-election be held in the Pala constituency.
The case is Dinesh Menon v. State of Kerala and Ors., reported as 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 539.
In plain words
Negotiable Instruments Act Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 — The central law under which the dishonour of a cheque is a punishable offence.
Writ petition Writ petition under Article 226 — A petition before a High Court seeking a direction or order against a public authority.