NOBLE MATHEW Vs. JOSE K. MANI AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Can there be more than one Election Agent for a candidate at an election The question of maintainability has been seriously in issue in this election petition and therefore, the same has been heard as a preliminary issue.

(2.) The petitioner was one of the candidates in No.14 Kottayam Parliamentary Constituency for the Lok Sabha Election held on 10.04.2014, the result of which was declared on 16.05.2014. The petitioner contested the election as an independent candidate with the support of the National Democratic Alliance(NDA). The first respondent was the candidate sponsored by the Kerala Congress(M), a State party. On 16th May, 2014, the first respondent was declared to have been elected having secured the majority of votes.

(3.) According to the petitioner, the election of the first respondent declared on 16.05.2014 is liable to be declared as void and set aside under Section 100(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951(hereinafter referred to as 'the Act') read with Section 123(1) of the Act.