EC stays disqualification of Palakkad municipal councillor Prasobh Valsan
The State Election Commission has stayed the disqualification of Palakkad municipal councillor Prasobh Valsan, who faced removal for missing three consecutive meetings. Valsan argued that his absence was due to his judicial custody, which prevented him from attending.
Why it matters
The case highlights legal complexities regarding the rights of elected officials who are incarcerated while awaiting trial.
EC stays disqualification of Palakkad municipal councillor Prasobh Valsan Municipality had issued a notice in June, which cited his absence from three consecutive municipal council meetings as grounds for ending his membership. PALAKKAD The State Election Commission (SEC) has stayed the notice seeking to end the membership of Palakkad municipal councillor Prashobh C. Valsan, allowing him to continue in office pending a final decision on his petition. The order was issued on October 15 by State Election Commissioner N. Seshadrinathan. It suspends the operation of the notice dated June 12, 2026, issued by the municipality, which cited his absence from three consecutive municipal council meetings as grounds for ending his membership under Section 91(1)(k) of the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994. Mr. Valsan, who represents Ward 24 and was elected on a Congress ticket, was absent from council meetings held on April 30, May 29 and June 10, 2026.
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