New Delhi: P C Thomas, former union
minister and MP from Kerala, has been disqualified from
contesting elections for three years for committing corrupt
practices during 14th Lok Sabha polls.
President Pratibha Patil passed an order on May 19 after
the Election Commission gave its opinion in this regard.
The EC said it was of the considered opinion that the
"ends of justice and equity would be fairly met if P C Thomas
is disqualified for a period of three years from the date of
the Order of President".
The Supreme Court had earlier upheld a judgment of the
Kerala High Court setting aside the election Thomas, former
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice in the NDA
government and dismissed his appeal.
The High Court set aside the election of Thomas under
Section 123(3) and 123(5) of the RP Act for appealing to the
electorate to vote for him on the ground of his community and
hiring of vehicles for carrying voters.
The President had sought the opinion of the EC on the
disqualification of Thomas.
PTI
