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2026 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 28752
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
P. KRISHNA KUMAR, J
STATE OF KERALA – Appellant
Versus
ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA – Respondent
WP(C) NO. 15825 OF 2026
For the Appellants/Petitioners: SR. GP, SRI. S. KANNAN
For the Respondents: SRI.S.SUJIN
MCC permits MLA to convene temple festival preparatory meeting on specific date during elections.
Headnote:First Paragraph: The petition challenges restrictions under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) on convening meetings for temple festival preparations. Essential facts involve a request to permit the Minister/MLA to hold a meeting amid elections. Court finds no violation in limited permission aligning with prior judgment (Ext.P3). Second Paragraph: Issue framed as whether MCC bars preparatory meetings for cultural events. Ratio: Court permits meeting on specific date following precedent in WP
(C) No.15564/2026, balancing electoral integrity with festival needs. Last Paragraph: Writ petition disposed permitting meeting on 26.04.2026 for Koodalmanikyam Festival preparations.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. reliefs seek mcc exemption for festival meeting. (Para 1) |
| 2. parties heard during admission. (Para 2) |
| 3. petition disposed following prior judgment permitting meeting. (Para 3 , 4) |
JU D G M E N T
Thew reliefs sought for in this writ petition are as follows:-
“i) Permit the Minister for Higher Education/MLA of the constituency to convene the meeting for ascertaining the preparatory works and other works in connection with the Koodalmanikyam Ulsavam to be held from 28.04.2026 to 08.05.2026, in the light of the MCC that is presently in force in the State, ii. Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing the respondents 1 and 2 to permit the Minister for Higher Education/MLA of the constituency to convene the meeting for ascertaining the preparatory works and other works in connection with the, Koodalmanikyam Ulsavam to be held from 28.04.2026 to
08.05.2026, iii. Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ order or direction directing the respondents 1 and 2 to consider and pass orders in Exhibit P1 in the interest of justice, iv. Dispense with the production of the translation of the documents/Exhibits in vernacular language, for the time being, v. Issue such other writs, as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper, in the interest of justice.”
2. Heard the learned Government Pleader appearing for the petitioner, the learned Standing Counsel for respondents 1 and 2, and the learned counsel appearing for the 3rd respondent.
3. During the course of hearing, both sides conceded that the writ petition can be disposed of by passing an order in line with Ext.P3 judgment passed by this Court in WP(C)
No.15564/2026.
4. Accordingly, the Minister for Higher Education/MLA of the concerned constituency is permitted to convene a meeting on 26.04.2026 for ascertaining the preparatory works and other arrangements in connection with the Koodalmanikyam Festival to be held on 28.04.2026 to 08.05.2026, in the light of the Model Code of Conduct that is presently in force in the State.
The writ petition is disposed of as above.
