Mon Jan 05 13:54:13 UTC 2026: Summary:
Antony Raju, a legislator from the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala and former Transport Minister, has been disqualified as an MLA by the Kerala Legislative Secretariat. This follows a court order finding him guilty of forging evidence in a drug seizure case from 1990. The disqualification is based on the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951. No by-election will be held due to upcoming Assembly elections.
News Article:
Kerala MLA Antony Raju Disqualified Over 1990 Evidence Tampering Case
Thiruvananthapuram, India – January 5, 2026 – The Kerala Legislative Secretariat has disqualified Antony Raju, a sitting MLA representing Thiruvananthapuram and former Transport Minister, from his legislative seat. The move comes after a Judicial First Class Magistrate Court found Mr. Raju guilty last week of forging and planting evidence related to a drug seizure case dating back to 1990.
The disqualification, announced in a notification issued by the Secretariat this evening, is in accordance with the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, and rulings by the Supreme Court. Mr. Raju, a leader of the Janadhipathya Kerala Congress, a ruling ally within the LDF coalition, is implicated in tampering with evidence following the original drug seizure.
While the Thiruvananthapuram Assembly constituency will now be without an MLA, a by-election will not be held given the imminent Assembly elections scheduled in the coming months. The case highlights the long-lasting legal repercussions for actions taken decades ago.
First Piper 