Published Jun 11, 2026 | 12:41 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 11, 2026 | 12:41 PM
Meenakshi Natarajan. (X)
Synopsis: The Supreme Court agreed to list the writ petition filed by Congress member Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha candidature from Madhya Pradesh. The court refused to issue any interim orders, noting that in election matters, the courts won’t interfere in the interim.
The Supreme Court on Thursday, 11 June, agreed to list on Friday the writ petition filed by Congress member Meenakshi Natarajan challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha candidature from Madhya Pradesh.
A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice AS Chandurkar agreed to list the matter after a request by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for an urgent hearing. Singhvi pressed for an urgent hearing either on Thursday or Friday, saying that Thursday was the last day to withdraw nominations.
Singhvi urged that an order be passed to restrain the declaration of results. However, the court refused to issue any interim orders, noting that in election matters, the courts won’t interfere in the interim.
Although Singhvi responded that in cases of glaring errors, the courts can interfere, the bench listed the matter for Friday.
Also Read: Congress moves Supreme Court against rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination
Singhvi submitted that the Returning Officer rejected Natarajan’s nomination on the ground of suppression of a criminal case. He contended that there was no cognisance taken of the criminal case in question, and only a pre-cognisance summons as per Section 223 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been served upon her.
According to him, as per Section 33A of the Representation of the People Act, only criminal cases where cognisance has been taken need to be disclosed.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, for the rival candidate, objected to the maintainability. Senior Advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, for the Election Commission of India, also questioned the maintainability.
Natarajan’s application was rejected by Returning Officer Arvind Sharma, following allegations that she had “hidden” details of a criminal case pending against her in Telangana in the nomination papers.
Also Read: Desperate Congress goes all out to trace leak that sank Meenakshi Natarajan
On Wednesday, a delegation of 10 Congress leaders, including MPs KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh and Randeep Surjewala, had met the Election Commission (EC).
Congress General Secretary Venugopal said the delegation has had a detailed discussion with the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. He added that they presented the proper facts and figures.
Singhvi said that the criminal case on the grounds that the nomination of Natarajan was rejected does not exist, as the competent judge has yet to take cognisance. Singhvi said they have demonstrated beyond doubt that such a case does not exist.
The alleged case pertains to a complaint by a woman, A Srilata, who approached the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Hyderabad on 20 August 2025. The complainant had named Natarajan as accused number four.
The court issued a notice to Natarajan on 17 September 2025, asking her to submit a response in person. In a counter-affidavit filed on 24 October, Natarajan’s lawyer denied the charge and alleged that the complaint was politically motivated.
Though the lawyer sought the dismissal of the case, the court did not entertain the request. The case is pending before the court.
