Tue Apr 22 04:48:58 UTC 2025: ## Madras High Court Rejects Bid to Dismiss Election Petition Against Ramanathapuram MP

**Chennai, April 22, 2025** – The Madras High Court has refused to dismiss an election petition challenging the victory of K. Navas Kani, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP for Ramanathapuram, in the June 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The petition, filed by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, alleges that Mr. Kani failed to disclose his directorship in several private companies and the associated remuneration in his election affidavit. Mr. Panneerselvam also questions a ₹91.75 lakh loan Mr. Kani received from his son, given the son’s comparatively low income.

Justice C.V. Karthikeyan dismissed Mr. Kani’s application to reject the petition, stating that the veracity of the allegations can only be determined through a full trial. The judge emphasized the need for both sides to present evidence.

Mr. Panneerselvam, contesting as an independent candidate backed by the BJP after his expulsion from the AIADMK, lost to Mr. Kani by a significant margin of 1.66 lakh votes. The presence of five other independent candidates with the same name as Mr. Panneerselvam further complicated the election.

The High Court will now proceed with a full trial to investigate the allegations of false declarations in Mr. Kani’s election affidavit.

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