Kerala High Court Hears Antony Raju's Plea to Suspend Conviction Ahead of Elections

Former Kerala Transport Minister Antony Raju has petitioned the Kerala High Court to suspend his conviction for tampering with evidence in a 1990 drug case, aiming to contest upcoming assembly elections. The state government and police oppose the plea, arguing that suspension would undermine electoral integrity and public confidence, emphasizing that contesting elections does not justify overriding statutory disqualification under the Representation of the People Act. The High Court noted challenges in proving Raju's intent and has reserved its decision.