Published Apr 01, 2026 | 4:33 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 01, 2026 | 4:33 PM
Kerala High Court. (iStock)
Synopsis: Calling the trend a “massacre of democracy,” the judge remarked that political parties often field namesake candidates deliberately to confuse voters.
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday, 1 April, voiced strong concern over the growing practice of fielding candidates with similar or identical names, warning that it could mislead voters and undermine democratic integrity.
Justice P. V. Kunhikrishnan, while hearing a plea related to the Thrippunithura Assembly constituency, orally observed that candidates’ names on ballot papers and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) should reflect how they are popularly known among the public.
He stressed that no candidate should lose votes merely because voters fail to correctly identify them.
Calling the trend a “massacre of democracy,” the judge remarked that political parties often field namesake candidates deliberately to confuse voters.
The observations came while the court considered a plea by actor and Twenty20 party candidate Anjali P. V., who sought to have her name changed to her more widely recognised name, Anjali Nair, on the ballot paper and EVM.
The court directed the Returning Officer of the Thrippunithura constituency to examine her representation and pass appropriate orders.
The plea noted that although her nomination was filed under the name “Anjali P.V.,” she is popularly known as “Anjali Nair” in political and public circles, as well as among voters.
Counsel for the Electoral Officer submitted that the candidate had initially registered under her official name and only later sought the change.
It was also pointed out that a model ballot paper bearing her original name had already been shown to her during a meeting held last month.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
