Kochi, March 17 (NationPress) In a significant blow to his political ambitions, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday declined a request from former MLA Antony Raju, representing Thiruvananthapuram Central, to suspend his conviction related to evidence tampering in a court case.

This ruling effectively disqualifies the ex-minister from participating in the upcoming elections, sending shockwaves through the political landscape of the state capital.

Raju lost his legislative position on January 4 after being sentenced to three years in prison by the Nedumangad Magistrate Court for the same case, followed by the High Court's refusal to stay the conviction.

As the sole representative of the Janadhipathya Kerala Congress and the State Transport Minister until December 2024, Raju had stepped down to accommodate an ally in line with their coalition agreement within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).

A bench led by Justice Nirmaljit Kaur dismissed his plea, meaning the disqualification under the Representation of the People Act remains intact.

Without a suspension of his conviction, Antony Raju is barred from filing his nomination papers, effectively closing off his last legal avenue for election participation.

However, the deadline for nominations is March 23, giving him a few days to appeal either to the Division Bench of the Kerala High Court or to the Supreme Court for a stay.

This case, often referred to as the controversial “underwear case”, dates back to 1990 when Raju, then a junior lawyer, was accused of tampering with crucial evidence in a narcotics case to aid the accused.

Scientific analysis later confirmed that the evidence had been altered after it was presented in court.

After years of legal battles, this conviction has resurfaced at a critical moment in his political career.

Notably, this is the second instance where this case has jeopardized his electoral prospects.

Previously, he was denied a candidacy due to strong objections from veteran Left leader V.S. Achuthanandan, who raised ethical concerns, which have now been further emphasized by the court’s decision.

The verdict has also placed the Left Democratic Front in a difficult position.

Raju was anticipated to be the party’s candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram Central constituency.

With his unexpected withdrawal, the LDF now faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement, adding to the existing uncertainty.

This constituency is already a key battleground, with both the Congress-led UDF and the Bharatiya Janata Party eyeing potential gains.

Raju's absence is poised to significantly alter the electoral dynamics, presenting a new challenge for the LDF in its bid to maintain control over the seat.