Kerala High Court
Kunhikrishnan.V vs State Of Kerala on 7 April, 2026
Author: Bechu Kurian Thomas
Bench: Bechu Kurian Thomas
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
1
2026:KER:31404
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE BECHU KURIAN THOMAS
TUESDAY, THE 7TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 17TH CHAITHRA, 1948
WP(C) NO. 13894 OF 2026
PETITIONER :
KUNHIKRISHNAN.V
AGED 74 YEARS
S/O KAMMARAPODUVAL (LATE),
'KAVYA KALA' NEAR VELLUR BANK,
VELLUR.P.O., PAYYANNUR,
KANNUR DISTRICT,
PIN - 670307
BY ADVS.
SRI.P.S.BINU
SMT.K.SEENA
RESPONDENTS :
1 STATE OF KERALA
REPRESENTED BY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY,
HOME DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIATE
THIRUVANATHAPURAM,
PIN - 695001
2 STATE POLICE CHIEF
POLICE HEAD QUARTERS,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695010
3 DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
2
2026:KER:31404
KANNUR RURAL, DHARMASHALA KALLIASSERY,
KANNUR DISTRICT,
PIN - 670562
4 STATION HOUSE OFFICER
PAYYANNUR POLICE STATION,
PAYYANNUR.P.O, KANNUR DISTRICT,
PIN - 670307
5 STATE ELECTION COMMISSION
REPRESENTED BY SECRETARY,
VIKAS BHAVAN.P.O.,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695033
6 DISTRICT ELECTION OFFICER
KANNUR DISTRICT,
COLLECTORATE KANNUR,
PIN - 670002
7 RETURNING OFFICER,
PAYYANNUR ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY
PAYYANNUR.P.O, KANNUR DISTRICT,
PIN - 670307
BY SRI.RAJEEV JYOTHISH GEORGE, GOVERNMENT PLEADER
BY SHRI.DEEPU LAL MOHAN, SC, STATE ELECTION
COMMISSION, KERALA
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION
ON 07.04.2026, ALONG WITH W.P.(C) NOS. 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026, THE COURT
ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
3
2026:KER:31404
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE BECHU KURIAN THOMAS
TUESDAY, THE 7TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 17TH CHAITHRA, 1948
WP(C) NO. 13597 OF 2026
PETITIONER :
T.K.GOVINDAN MASTER
AGED 75 YEARS,
S/O KUNHIKANNAN NAMBIAR,
CANDIDATE FOR THE KERALA LEGISLATIVE
ASSEMBLY ELECTION 2026,
RESIDING AT JOO BHAVAN, POOKKANDAM,
MALAPPATTAM, P.O.MALAPPATTAM,
KANNUR, PIN - 670 63
BY ADV SRI.MAHESH V RAMAKRISHNAN
RESPONDENTS :
1 THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY,
NIRVACHAN SADAN, ASHOKA ROAD,
NEW DELHI, PIN - 110 001
2 CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER
KERALA, ELECTION DEPARTMENT,
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001
3 THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR AND DISTRICT RETURNING
OFFICER
CIVIL STATION, KANNUR,
KANNUR DISTRICT,
PIN - 671123
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
4
2026:KER:31404
4 THE RETURNING OFFICER
TALIPARAMBA LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUENCY,
CIVIL STATION COMPOUND, KANNUR,
PIN - 670002
5 THE STATE OF KERALA,
REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO THE
GOVERNMENT, HOME DEPARTMENT,
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 696001
6 DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF
KANNUR RURAL, KANNUR,
KANNUR DISTRICT, PIN - 670002
7 ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
TALIPARAMBA, P.O.TALIPARAMBA,
KANNUR, PIN - 670141
8 ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
KANNUR, P.O.TALIPARAMBA,
KANNUR, PIN - 670002
BY SMT.K.AMMINIKUTTY, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER
BY ADV SHRI.M.AJAY, SC, ELECTION COMMISSION OF
INDIA
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION
ON 07.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).NO.13894/2026 AND CONNECTED
CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
5
2026:KER:31404
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE BECHU KURIAN THOMAS
TUESDAY, THE 7TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 17TH CHAITHRA, 1948
WP(C) NO. 13606 OF 2026
PETITIONER :
K.M. RAGUNATH
AGED 51 YEARS
S/O APPUNNI NAIR,
KANNAMVELLIMETHAL HOUSE,
VARIKOLI.P.O, KALLACHI VIA,
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT,
PIN - 673506
BY ADVS.
SRI.U.P.BALAKRISHNAN
SRI.C.H.ABDUL RASAC
SRI.ABDUL RAOOF PALLIPATH
RESPONDENTS :
1 THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY,
NIRVACHAN SADAN, ASHOKA ROAD,
PANDIT PANT MARG AREA,
SANSAD MARG AREA, NEW DELHI,
PIN - 110001
2 THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER
REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY JANAHITHAM,
T C 27/6(2), VIKAS BHAVAN,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695033
3 THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
6
2026:KER:31404
POLICE HEADQUARTERS,
THIRUVANATHAPURAM,
PIN - 695010
4 THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT,
CIVIL STATION, ERANHIPALAM,
KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673020
5 THE DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT (RURAL),
PUDUPPANAM (PO), KOZHIKODE,
PIN - 673101
6 THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER
EDACHERRY POLICE STATION,
EDACHERRY, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT,
PIN - 673502
7 THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER
KUTTIADY POLICE STATION,
P.O. KUTTIADY, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT,
PIN - 673508
8 THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
NADAPURAM POLICE STATION,
NADAPURAM.P.O, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT,
PIN - 673504
9 THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER
THOTTILPALAM POLICE STATION,
THOTTILPALAM, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT,
PIN - 673513
10 THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER
VALAYAM POLICE STATION,
VALAYAM, KOZHIKODE DISTRICT,
PIN - 673517
11 THE RETURNING OFFICER
NADAPURAM ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY,
DISTRICT REGISTRAR (GENERAL)
CO-OPERATIVE DEPARTMENT,
KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673504
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
7
2026:KER:31404
BY SRI.M.AJAY, SC, ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
BY ADV SHRI.DEEPU LAL MOHAN, SC, STATE ELECTION
COMMISSION OF KERALA
BY SRI.RAJEEV JYOTHISH GEORGE, GOVERNMENT PLEADER
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION
ON 07.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).NO.13894/2026 AND CONNECTED
CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
8
2026:KER:31404
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE BECHU KURIAN THOMAS
TUESDAY, THE 7TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 17TH CHAITHRA, 1948
WP(C) NO. 14013 OF 2026
PETITIONER :
SANTHOSH
AGED 57 YEARS
S/O KANNAN, BAKKALAM,
MANGAD PO KANNUR DIST.,
PIN - 670561
BY ADVS.
SHRI.K.N.ABHILASH
SHRI.SUNIL NAIR PALAKKAT
SHRI.RITHIK S.ANAND
SHRI.RISHI VARMA T.R.
SHRI.SREEJITH A.
SMT.ALFIYA SHAMSUDHEEN
RESPONDENTS :
1 THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR & DISTRICT RETURNING OFFICER
KANNUR COLLECTORATE OFFICE,
KANNUR DIST., PIN - 670 001
2 THE DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF RURAL
DHARMASALA PO KANNUR DIST.,
PIN - 670001
3 THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER
THALIPARAMBA POLICE STATION,
KANNUR DISTRICT,
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
9
2026:KER:31404
PIN - 670141
4 THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER
MAYYIL POLICE STATION,
KANNUR DISTRICT,
PIN - 670642
5 CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER
CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER'S OFFICE,
TRIVANDRUM, PIN - 695 001
BY SMT.K.AMMINIKUTTY, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION
ON 07.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C) NO.13894/2026 AND CONNECTED
CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
10
2026:KER:31404
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE BECHU KURIAN THOMAS
TUESDAY, THE 7TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 17TH CHAITHRA, 1948
WP(C) NO. 14273 OF 2026
PETITIONER :
G.SUDHAKARAN
AGED 79 YEARS
S/O LATE GOPALA KURUP NAVANEETHAM
PARAVOOR.P.O., ALAPPUZHA,
PIN - 688014
BY ADVS.
SRI.S.RAJEEV
SRI.V.VINAY
SRI.M.S.ANEER
SHRI.SARATH K.P.
SMT.DIPA V.
SRI.RAAJESH S.SUBRAHMANIAN
SHRI.AZAD SUNIL
SHRI.T.P.ARAVIND
SHRI.AKASH CHERIAN THOMAS
SMT.AKSHARA S.
SHRI.MAHESWAR PADICKAL
SHRI.ANILKUMAR C.R.
RESPONDENTS :
1 UNION OF INDIA
REPRESENTED BY HOME SECRETARY 113,
NORTH BLOCK NEW DELHI,
PIN - 110001
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
11
2026:KER:31404
2 STATE OF KERALA
REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY SECRETARIAT,
PALAYAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695001
3 THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY (HOME)
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695001
4 STATE POLICE CHIEF
POLICE HEAD QUARTERS,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695010
5 DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF
PATHANAMTHITTA,
PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT,
PIN - 689645
6 DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE
AMBALAPUZHA, ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT,
PIN - 688563
7 STATION HOUSE OFFICER
PUNNAPRA POLICE STATION,
ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT,
PIN - 688004
8 STATION HOUSE OFFICER
AMBALAPUZHA POLICE STATION,
ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT,
PIN - 688561
9 STATION HOUSE OFFICER
ALAPPUZHA SOUTH POLICE STATION,
ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT,
PIN - 688001
10 DISTRICT COLLECTOR
COLLECTORATE ALAPPUZHA,
PIN - 688001
11 STATE ELECTION COMMISSIONER
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
12
2026:KER:31404
KERALA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION,
VIKAS BHAVAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695033
12 RETURNING OFFICER FOR AMBALAPUZHA CONSTITUENCY
COLLECTORATE ALAPPUZHA,
PIN - 688001
13 C.SHAMJI
AREA SECRETARY COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA (MARXIST)
AMBALAPUZHA.P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT,
PIN - 688561
14 PRASANT S.KUTTY
AREA COMMITTEE MEMBER,
COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA (MARXIST),
AMBALAPUZHA.P.O., ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT,
PIN - 688561
15 ARUN LAL
LOCAL COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA
(MARXIST) PUNNAPRA NORTH.P.O.,
ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT, PIN - 688014
16 RIYAS K. PONNADU
DISTRICT SECRETARY,
SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF INDIA (SDPI)
MULLACKAL, ALAPPUZHA,
PIN - 688011
* ADDL.17TH AND 18TH RESPONDENTS IMPLEADED
17 ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
NIRVACHAN SADAN, ASHOKA ROAD,
NEW DELHI
18 CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, KERALA
ELECTION DEPARTMENT,
KERALA LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX,
VIKAS BHAVAN.P.O,
THIRUVANATHAPURAM
ADDL.17TH AND 18TH RESPONDENTS ARE IMPLEADED AS PER
ORDER DATED 07.04.2026 IN I.A.NO.1 OF 2026
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
13
2026:KER:31404
SRI.P.SREEKUMAR, ASGI
SMT.DAYA SINDHU SREEHARI, CGC
SMT.K.AMMINIKUTTY, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER
SRI.DEEPU LAL MOHAN, SC, STATE ELECTION COMMISSION
OF KERALA
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION
ON 07.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).NO.13894/2026 AND CONNECTED
CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
14
2026:KER:31404
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE BECHU KURIAN THOMAS
TUESDAY, THE 7TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 17TH CHAITHRA, 1948
WP(C) NO. 14333 OF 2026
PETITIONER :
SANDEEP G. VARIER
AGED 47 YEARS
S/O. M. V. GOVINDA VARIER,
DEEPTHI, CHETHALLUR POST,
MANNARKKAD, PALAKKAD,
PIN - 678583
BY ADVS.
SRI.RENJITH B.MARAR
SMT.LAKSHMI.N.KAIMAL
SRI.P.RAJKUMAR
SRI.KESHAVRAJ NAIR
SHRI.BIJU VIGNESWAR
SHRI.ARUN POOMULLI
SHRI.ABHIRAM.S.
SMT.GAADHA SURESH
SHRI.AKSHAY SHIBU
SHRI.ANANTHAPADMANABHAN
SHRI.ASHISH PAUL
SMT.LAXMISREE JAYANTHA KUMAR
SHRI.MURALI KRISHNA PRASAD
RESPONDENTS :
1 THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
NIRVACHAN SADAN, ASHOKA ROAD,
NEW DELHI, REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY,
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
15
2026:KER:31404
PIN - 110001
2 THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER
ELECTION DEPARTMENT,
KERALA LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX,
VIKAS BHAVAN P. O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695033
3 DISTRICT ELECTORAL OFFICER & DISTRICT COLLECTOR
KASARAGOD DISTRICT, CIVIL STATION,
VIDYANAGAR, KASARAGOD,
PIN - 671123
4 RETURNING OFFICER
005, TRIKARIPUR ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY &
THE DEPUTY COLLECTOR (R R)
KASARAGOD, PIN - 671 310
SRI.M.AJAY, SC, ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
SRI.DEEPU LAL MOHAN, SC, STATE ELECTION COMMISSION
OF KERALA
SMT.K.AMMINIKUTTY, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION
ON 07.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).NO.13894/2026 AND CONNECTED
CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
16
2026:KER:31404
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE BECHU KURIAN THOMAS
TUESDAY, THE 7TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 17TH CHAITHRA, 1948
WP(C) NO. 14385 OF 2026
PETITIONER :
A.M RASHEED
AGED 45 YEARS
S/O MARAKKAR, ADATTIL HOUSE,
KAVILUM PARA POST, KOZHIKODE
CHIEF AGENT OF P. VASANTHAM
(CANDIDATE NADAPURAM LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUENCY),
KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673 513
BY ADVS.
SHRI.M.P.PRIYESHKUMAR
SMT.DIVYA T.P.
RESPONDENTS :
1 STATE OF KERALA
REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY HOME DEPARTMENT,
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695001
2 THE STATE ELECTION COMMISSION
REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY VIKAS BHAVAN,
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695033
3 DISTRICT COLLECTOR/DISTRICT ELECTION OFFICER
DISTRICT COLLECTORATE,
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
17
2026:KER:31404
KOZHIKODE, CIVIL STATION,
KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673020
4 STATE POLICE CHIEF (DGP)
POLICE HEADQUARTERS,
VAZHUTHACAUD, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,
PIN - 695010
5 DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF (RURAL)
KOZHIKODE RURAL POLICE OFFICE,
VATAKARA, PIN - 673 101
BY SMT.K.AMMINIKUTTY, SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLEADER
SRI.DEEPU LAL MOHAN, SC, ELECTION COMMISSION OF
INDIA
THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION
ON 07.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).NO.13894/2026 AND CONNECTED
CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026,
14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026
18
2026:KER:31404
BECHU KURIAN THOMAS, J.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
W.P.(C) Nos.13894, 13597,
13606, 14013, 14273, 14333
and 14385 of 2026
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Dated this the 7th day of April, 2026
JUDGMENT
These seven writ petitions have been filed seeking grant of police protection and other similar reliefs. Since the primary contentions are all revolving around providing adequate police protection during the course of elections, these writ petitions are disposed of together by this common judgment. The reliefs include grant of police protection to some of the candidates in few of the constituencies of the Kerala General Assembly Election 2026, to the Polling Agents as well as to the voters of the constituencies to which these writ petitions relate to. In one of the writ petitions, there is a prayer for deployment of the Central Armed Police Force as well, for the effective conduct of the elections.
2. In W.P.(C) No.13894 of 2026, the petitioner is a candidate from Payyannur Constituency. He alleges that he had shifted his allegiance from the party which is presently in power, in the State of Kerala and had defected before the elections. According to him he is standing in the elections as an independent candidate with the support of the United Democratic Front. Petitioner alleges that he apprehends threat to his life WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 19 2026:KER:31404 on the date of polling apart from threats to his polling agents and others and hence he seeks police protection.
3. W.P.(C) No.14013 of 2026 is filed by the Convener of the Left Democratic Front at the Taliparamba Assembly Constituency. He seeks police protection to the candidate of the front in the said constituency, apart from protection to the voters and others in connection with the elections. It is pleaded that there exists a serious law and order situation and threat to the life of the candidate and party workers during the course of elections and hence there is every possibility of the democratic process being subverted. The petitioner has prayed for the grant of protection not only to the candidate but also to the petitioner.
4. W.P.(C) No.13606 of 2026 is filed by the Chief Election Agent of the United Democratic Front and seeks protection for the candidate contesting from the Nadapuram Assembly Constituency. It is alleged that there is every possibility of widespread booth capturing, impersonation and bogus voting and other criminal activities and hence he seeks police protection to the voters, the polling officers and polling agents for the conduct of a free and fair election. Petitioner has also sought for installation of web cameras in the problematic booths in the said constituency.
5. In W.P.(C) No.14385 of 2026, the Chief Polling Agent of the WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 20 2026:KER:31404 candidate of the Left Democratic Front at Nadapuram Constituency has approached this Court, referring to the history of the past elections and the fear inculcated amongst the voters and the candidates. He also seeks directions for immediate preventive measures to be initiated to ensure free and fair election at Nadapuram Legislative Assembly Constituency. Petitioner has also sought for adequate police forces to be deployed to prevent any illegal activities during the course of the election and also to ensure continuous monitoring of polling booths, including videography, to guarantee transparency in the electoral process.
6. W.P.(C) No.13597 of 2026 is filed by the candidate of the Taliparamba Legislative Constituency who is standing as an independent candidate supported by the United Democratic Front. He also alleges that there are attempts to indulge in booth capturing, casting of bogus votes, threatening the booth agents by the associates of the opposing party, thereby obstructing the conduct of free and fair election. Petitioner has also sought deployment of sufficient police force, webcasting of the entire election process and also to separately observe polling booths which had a polling of 90% in the last Panchayat elections.
7. The petitioner in W.P.(C) No.14333 of 2026, is one of the candidates contesting from the Trikaripur Assembly Constituency. According to him, various polling stations in the said constituency have WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 21 2026:KER:31404 been identified historically as critical and vulnerable due to recurring incidents of electoral violence and hence he seeks direction for deployment of the Central Armed Police Force and other precautionary measures to ensure free and fair election.
8. W.P.(C) No.14273 of 2026 is also filed by an independent candidate supported by the United Democratic Front standing in the Constituency of Ambalappuzha. The reliefs sought for, includes, a direction to the Union of India to provide sufficient protection at all the 195 polling booths in the said Constituency. There is also a prayer to the respondents, including the State, to ensure that no voter in the Constituency is deprived of his right to cast the vote.
9. A statement has been filed on behalf of the Election Commission of India in W.P.(C) No.13597 of 2026 which was submitted as being applicable to all the writ petitions. In the aforesaid statement it is stated that all necessary arrangements have been made in the Taliparamba Legislative Assembly Constituency for ensuring free and fair poll, in accordance with the instructions of the Election Commission of India. It is also stated that vulnerability mapping has been conducted, vulnerable pockets have been identified and such areas are being closely monitored by the Sector Officers, Police authorities and the Returning Officers. Critical polling stations and the vulnerable polling stations have been identified based on the guidelines issued WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 22 2026:KER:31404 by the ECI. Micro Observers have also been appointed in critical polling stations as per the guidelines of the ECI. Webcasting arrangements have also been made in all polling stations. Further, it is pleaded that adequate police force has been deployed in the constituency in consultation with the District Police Chief and necessary bandobust arrangements will also be made for maintaining law and order and for ensuring a peaceful and fair election. Police patrolling and preventive measures are being carried out in vulnerable areas.
10. The Statement also mentions that Flying Squad Teams, Static Surveillance Teams, Model Code of Conduct [MCC] Squads and other election monitoring teams are functioning in the constituency and instructions have been issued to Presiding Officers during their training in two phases to strictly follow the identification procedure of electors to prevent impersonation and bogus voting. According to the respondents, necessary action has already been initiated on the representations received in accordance with law and as per the instructions of the ECI. Respondents have also averred that the District Police Chief, Kannur has, on the basis of inputs/intelligence received by him, ordered police protection to the person and residence of the petitioner in W.P.(C) No.13597 of 2026 from 23.3.2026 onwards, even before Exhibit P5 representation was submitted. The ECI has further given directions for the deployment of adequate police force/central armed police forces wherever such necessity is perceived or felt and also that as and when there is any threat perception on tangible foundations for any of them thwarting their exercise and independent right to participate in the electoral process and/or cast their votes, the situation can be WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 23 2026:KER:31404 informed by the petitioner to respondents 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 and appropriate action as required will be taken by them as prescribed by law.
11. In W.P.(C) No.13606 of 2026, a statement has been filed on behalf of the Election Commission of India wherein the following relevant statements have been made:
"Law and Order, Security Arrangements and Deployment of Forces :
(ii) Based on the assessment of the ground situation, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and State Armed Police (SAP) drawn from other States will be deployed during the election. The CAPFs shall be deployed well in advance for area domination, routine marches in vulnerable pockets, point patrolling and other confidence building measures to re-assure and build faith in the minds of the voters, especially those belonging to the weaker sections, minorities etc. CAPFs shall be inducted well in time for undertaking area familiarization and hand-holding with local forces and all other standard security protocols for movement, enforcement activities etc. in these areas will be strictly adhered to. The CAPFs/SAP shall also be deployed in Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies and other vulnerable areas and critical polling stations as per the assessment of ground realities by the CEO of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry in consultation with various stakeholders. On the eve of poll, the CAPFs/SAP shall take position and control of the respective polling stations and will be responsible for safeguarding the polling stations and for providing security to the voters and polling personnel on the polling day. Besides, these forces will secure the strong rooms were EVMs and VVPATs are stored and for securing the Counting Centers and for other purposes, as required. The entire force WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 24 2026:KER:31404 deployment in the assembly constituency shall be under the oversight of the Central Observers deputed by the Commission.
7. The district administration has identified critical and vulnerable and a robust security framework has been established to ensure the polling stations in Nadapuram Legislative Assembly Constituency including joint route marches by Central Armed Police Forces an integrity of the electoral process. Confidence-building measure State Police in vulnerable, critical, and sensitive areas, are being undertaken.
9. Thus, in respect of 2026, General Election to the Legislative Assembly Constituencies in Kozhikode District, vulnerability mapping has been conducted by the District Election Officer. Kozhikode and a "Report on Identification of Vulnerability and Action Taken at District Level" has been prepared and submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer. As per the said report, in so far Nadapuram Legislative Assembly Constituency specific polling stations with identified vulnerable pockets are flagged (Polling Station Nos. 56, 93, 94, 95, 118, 119, 120, 121, 143, 144, 150, 181 and
182) and based on such assessment, necessary preventive measures have already been taken and deployment of adequate Central Armed Police Forces and State Police has been planned.
10. It is further submitted that 114 polling stations in 54 locations have been identified as critical and 114 micro observers have been deployed in such critical polling stations to ensure free and fair elections. Confidence- building measures, including joint route marches by Central Armed Police Forces and State Police in vulnerable, critical, and sensitive areas, are being undertaken. Preventive actions are being strictly enforced under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 as well as under
relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for monitoring habitual offenders and other applicable laws including KAAPA and NDPS Act for preventive detention of known offenders and drug WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 25 2026:KER:31404 peddlers.
12. It is further submitted that webcasting is being implemented in all polling stations in Nadapuram Legislative Assembly Constituency in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India.
15.Thus, the Election Commission of India has taken all steps for Constituencies in Kerala including (022) Nadapuram Leg for conduct of a free and fair election in all the Legislative Assembly Constituency."
12. I have heard the respective learned counsel for the petitioners in all these writ petitions, Sri.M.Ajay, the learned Standing Counsel for the Election Commission of India, Sri.Deepu Lal Mohan, the learned Standing Counsel for the State Election Commission of Kerala, Smt. K. Amminikutty and Sri.Rajeev Jyothish George, the respective Government Pleaders.
13. The primary contentions raised in all these writ petitions relate to apprehension of threat at the time of election, by the candidate, election agents and even the voters apart from the need to conduct free and fair elections. The Election Commission has, in their statements, mentioned earlier, specifically pointed out that every effort has been taken to ensure a free and fair election. The vulnerable sections in various pockets of Nadapuram Constituency have already been identified based on the assessment carried out and preventive measures have also been WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 26 2026:KER:31404 taken. It is also mentioned that the webcasting has been implemented in all polling stations across the State and therefore the prayer of some of the writ petitioners regarding installation of web cameras to ensure free and fair election does not even arise for consideration.
13. As far as the individual apprehension of threats by the candidates and the polling agents are concerned, the statement of the Election Commission itself is an appropriate answer as it has been mentioned that every effort has been taken, including the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces, wherever it is found necessary.
14. In this context, it is necessary to mention that ensuring a free and fair election is undoubtedly the lookout of the Election Commission of India itself, more so since it is the authority responsible for conduct of the elections. Once the election process has set in, under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, the entire superintendence, control and conduct of elections is vested with the Election Commission of India and deployment of the police force or the Central Armed Police Forces are all at the prerogative of the ECI.
15. Though petitioners have expressed their apprehensions, there is nothing to indicate any basis for such apprehensions as the Election Commission has categorically stated that efforts have been taken to prevent any sort of violence or intrusions into the conduct of free and fair WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 27 2026:KER:31404 elections, to the extent possible.
16. Apart from the above, it is apposite to refer to the decision in Reguhnath K.M. v. Inspector General of Police and Others [2011 (3) KHC 614] wherein this Court had, in a similar instance, observed that the Election Commission must alertly and strictly act to ensure that none deviate from the path of propriety and virtue expected of him. This Court had, when apprehensions of threat to free and fair elections were brought up in various writ petitions, observed that it is the duty of the Election Commission to ensure zealously that no voter is deprived of his right to exercise his franchise on account of obstruction or the climate of violence which is said to prevail in some areas/ booths. The assurance offered by the Election Commission of India in that regard was even accepted by the court and declined to issue any specific directions in that regard.
17. The observations of the Division Bench in Reghunath K.M.'s case (supra) apply with equal vigour in the instant case also, as the Election Commission has submitted that they have made elaborate arrangements to ensure that free and fair elections are conducted in the State of Kerala. The statement filed by them extracted in the earlier part of the judgment also indicates that they have left no stone unturned to ensure a free and fair election.
18. In this context, it needs to be noted that the allegations raised by WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 28 2026:KER:31404 the petitioners are only general in nature and no specific instance has been brought up.
19. Having regard to the above circumstances, this Court is of the view that the assurance offered by the Election Commission, that every effort has been taken to ensure a free and fair elections, is sufficient in the circumstances. Moreover, the ECI has deployed the Armed Forces, sufficient police personnel and even installed web cameras in all polling booths across the State.
20. In respect of the specific instance of threat of attack against the writ petitioner in W.P.(C) No.13597 of 2026 is concerned, it has been pointed out that police personnel have already been provided by the District Police Chief from 23.03.2026 onwards and therefore the said apprehension has been redressed substantially. Even in respect of other cases, where any incident has been reported as mentioned in W.P.(C) No.13894 of 2026, it is noticed that a crime has already been registered by the State Police.
In view of the above, no specific directions are required to be issued, other than to observe that the Election Commission of India shall alertly observe and take appropriate steps to ensure free and fair elections and instill confidence in the voters as well as the candidates to turn up for the election, in large numbers.
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 29 2026:KER:31404 With the above observations, these writ petitions are disposed of.
Sd/-
BECHU KURIAN THOMAS, JUDGE RKM WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 30 2026:KER:31404 APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 13894 OF 2026 PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS :
Exhibit P1 COPY OF THE NEWS PUBLISHED IN MALAYALA MANORAMA DAILY DATED 25.01.2026 Exhibit P2 COPY OF THE NEWS PUBLISHED IN MALAYALA MANORAMA DAILY DATED 28.01.2026 Exhibit P3 COPY OF THE FIRST INFORMATION REPORT IN CRIME NO.235/2026 OF PAYYANNUR POLICE STATION DATED 01.04.2026 Exhibit P4 COPY OF THE PETITION SUBMITTED BEFORE THE 6TH RESPONDENT DATED 04.04.2026 Exhibit P5 COPY OF THE PETITION SUBMITTED BEFORE THE 4TH RESPONDENT DATED 03.04.2026 Exhibit P6 COPY OF THE PETITION SUBMITTED BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT DATED 04.04.2026 WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 31 2026:KER:31404 APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 13597 OF 2026 PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS :
Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 26-03-2026 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE RESPONDENT NO.2 Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 26-03-2026 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE RESPONDENT NO.3 Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 26-03-2026 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER BEFORE THE RESPONDENT NO.4 Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 31-03-2026 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 26-03-2026 SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER TO THE DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF, KANNUR, THE 6TH RESPONDENT HEREIN.
Exhibit P6 TRUE COPY OF THE NEWS ITEM PUBLISHED IN MALAYALA MANORAMA DAILY DATED 30-03-2026 WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 32 2026:KER:31404 APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 13606 OF 2026 PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS :
Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE LIST OF THE PROBLEMATIC BOOTHS IN NADAPURAM ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCY Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION FILED BY THE PETITIONER DATED 28.03.2026 BEFORE THE 5TH RESPONDENT Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION DATED 28.03.2026 FILED BEFORE THE 6TH RESPONDENT Exhibit P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION DATED 28.03.2026 FILED BEFORE THE 7TH RESPONDENT Exhibit P5 A TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION DATED 28.03.2026 FILED BEFORE THE 8TH RESPONDENT Exhibit P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION DATED 28.03.2026 FILED BEFORE THE 9TH RESPONDENT Exhibit P7 A TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION DATED 28.03.2026 FILED BEFORE THE 10TH RESPONDENT Exhibit P8 TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION DATED 28.03.2026 FILED BEFORE THE 3RD RESPONDENT DGP Exhibit P9 TRUE COPY OF THE PETITION DATED 28.03.2026 FILED BEFORE THE 11TH RESPONDENT Exhibit P10 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT 08.12.2025 IN WPC NO.46092 AND CONNECTED CASES WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 33 2026:KER:31404 APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 14013 OF 2026 PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS :
Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION
SUBMITTED BEFORE THE RESPONDENTS DATED
30.03.2026
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 34 2026:KER:31404 APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 14273 OF 2026 PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS :
Exhibit P1 TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE FIR IN CRIME
NO.201/2026 DATED: 04/04/2026 IS PRODUCED
Exhibit P2 TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE NEWS REPORT IS
PRODUCED
Exhibit P3 TRUE PHOTOCOPY OF THE COMPLAINT DATED:
04/04/2026 MADE TO THE 11TH RESPONDENT BY
THE CHIEF ELECTION AGENT IS PRODUCED
Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE COMPLAINT MADE TO THE
CHIEF POLICE OFFICER IS PRODUCED
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 35 2026:KER:31404 APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 14333 OF 2026 PETITIONER EXHIBITS Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION DATED 31.03.2026 PREFERRED THROUGH THE CHIEF ELECTION AGENT OF THE PETITIONER STATING THE CONCERNS BEFORE THE 4TH RESPONDENT.
Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE LETTER BEARING NO.
DCKSGD/1892/2025-B6 DATED 31.03.2026 BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT ON THE REPRESENTATION PREFERRED BY THE CHIEF ELECTION AGENT OF THE PETITIONER.
WP(C) Nos.13894/2026, 13597/2026, 13606/2026, 14013/2026, 14273/2026, 14333/2026 and 14385/2026 36 2026:KER:31404 APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 14385 OF 2026 PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS :
Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER, ALONG WITH THE RECEIPT DATED 31.03.2026