Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s petition challenging her Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha nomination rejection was denied by the Supreme Court on 11 June 2026. The petition questioned the cancellation based on an ongoing criminal case notice in Telangana. The court stated that hearing the petition now would bypass Article 329, which restricts interim judicial intervention in electoral matters.
Nomination Cancellation Details
Article 329 of the Constitution limits court intervention before election results. Dissatisfied candidates can appeal to High Courts post results, which remains the only constitutional recourse. Natarajan filed her plea late on 10 June 2026, requesting a stay on the declaration of Madhya Pradesh RS results. The Supreme Court accepted her petition for consideration on Friday but did not stay the results.
Legal Grounds Cited
Natarajan’s nomination was canceled for not disclosing the Telangana criminal notice. She argued disclosure is required only for framed charges, not mere notices. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented her, calling the Returning Officer’s order “complete injustice.” The bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and A.S. Chandurkar asked for precedents where the Supreme Court intervened after nomination rejection. Singhvi emphasized that decisions must rely on case facts.
Constitutional References
Singhvi referenced Section 223 of BNSS, noting new provisions require hearing the accused before taking cognizance. The bench acknowledged service of summons but requested demonstration of legal precedent. Natarajan highlighted past grievances in 2022 and her role as Madhya Pradesh party in-charge in 2025, underscoring procedural unfairness.
Election Outcome
For Madhya Pradesh’s three Rajya Sabha seats, only BJP candidates remained post her rejection. Natarajan’s petition did not prevent the declaration of results.
Significance
This Supreme Court decision may establish a precedent regarding court intervention after nomination rejections, affecting future electoral petitions and political strategy.
