In a major development, the Karnataka High Court has nullified the election of Congress MLA K.Y. Nanjegowda, who represents the Malur constituency in Kolar district. The court has also mandated a complete recount of all votes cast during the 2023 Assembly elections for this seat.
This decisive ruling was delivered by a bench presided over by Justice R. Devadas. The court had been deliberating on an election petition brought forth by K.S. Manjunath Gowda of the BJP, who contested Nanjegowda’s victory. Gowda’s petition specifically cited numerous irregularities that allegedly occurred during the vote counting process.
After an extensive period of nearly two years of legal proceedings, the High Court ultimately found sufficient grounds to order a recount, subsequently invalidating Nanjegowda’s initial election win. Nevertheless, in response to a request from Nanjegowda’s legal team, the High Court has temporarily suspended its own order for a period of 30 days.
This temporary reprieve grants the Congress MLA a crucial window to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. Should the Supreme Court choose not to intervene within this stipulated 30-day period, Nanjegowda’s legislative seat will officially become vacant.