The Kerala High Court on Tuesday admitted an election petition filed by BJP leader Navya Haridas challenging the November 2024 Lok Sabha bypoll victory of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the Wayanad constituency.

Justice K Babu, after considering arguments presented by Haridas's counsel, ordered the issuance of summons to Gandhi. The matter is scheduled for hearing in August.

Haridas, who had contested the by-election held on November 13 as the BJP candidate, finished third, trailing behind CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri, while Gandhi secured victory with a margin exceeding five lakh votes.

In her petition, Haridas accused Gandhi of concealing crucial information in her election affidavit. She alleged that Gandhi failed to disclose details of multiple immovable properties owned by her and her husband, Robert Vadra, along with certain investments and movable assets under Vadra’s name.

These omissions, Haridas contended, constituted suppression of material facts and violated the mandatory disclosure requirements under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Haridas further argued that such concealment misled voters and influenced the electoral outcome, amounting to corrupt practices under Section 123 of the Act. She also accused Gandhi of exercising undue influence during the election campaign.

The petition seeks a declaration from the court to nullify Gandhi’s election on these grounds.

Advocate Hari Kumar G Nair represented Haridas in the proceedings.