Karnataka HC annuls MLA Nanjegowda’s election, orders vote recount

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Monday set aside the election of Congress MLA K Y Nanjegowda from Malur constituency in Kolar district and directed a recount of votes polled in the 2023 Assembly elections.

A bench headed by Justice R Devadas delivered the verdict while hearing an election petition filed by BJP candidate K S Manjunath Gowda, who had lost to Nanjegowda. The petition alleged irregularities during the counting process.

After nearly two years of proceedings, the court upheld the demand for a recount and declared Nanjegowda’s election invalid.

However, granting interim relief on a plea by Nanjegowda’s counsel, the High Court has stayed its order for 30 days to enable the Congress leader to move the Supreme Court. If the apex court does not intervene within that time, his Assembly seat will be declared vacant.