Setback for Kerala BJP President as High Court Stays Discharge in Bribery Case

In a significant setback for Kerala BJP President K. Surendran, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday stayed a trial court’s recent discharge order in a bribery case related to the 2021 Assembly elections.

The case alleges that Surendran threatened and bribed Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate K. Sundara to withdraw from the contest in the Manjeswaram constituency, which Surendran contested and narrowly lost. Following the state government’s appeal against the discharge order, the High Court has asked for a notice to be served to Surendran.

The allegations originated from a petition filed by CPI-M leader V.V. Rameshan, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate for Manjeswaram. Rameshan accused BJP leaders of offering money, mobile phones, and other incentives to Sundara to withdraw his nomination.

Sundara later claimed he received money and a mobile phone to step aside in favor of Surendran. However, on October 5, the trial court discharged Surendran and five other local BJP leaders, accepting their discharge petition, which stated they had committed no wrongdoing.

After his discharge, Surendran alleged the case was fabricated, asserting that a conspiracy involving the CPI-M, Congress, Indian Union Muslim League, and certain media outlets was aimed at tarnishing his reputation. The Crime Branch of the Kerala Police investigated the matter and submitted its charge sheet.

The police’s preliminary report included charges under the SC/ST Act, as well as bribery allegations aimed at undermining the electoral process. Surendran faces multiple charges under Sections 171(E) (bribery), 171(B) (election bribery), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506(i) (criminal intimidation), and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).