Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan has reacted to the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss her petition challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination papers from Madhya Pradesh.
The Supreme Court observed that once a Returning Officer rejects a candidate's nomination, the appropriate remedy is generally available through the Election Commission and the election process prescribed under law. The court therefore declined to intervene in the matter at this stage.
Despite the setback, Natarajan said she was neither disappointed nor surprised by the verdict. Speaking after the hearing, she maintained that her fight was aimed at highlighting concerns related to the democratic process and election procedures.
Her nomination papers were rejected by the Returning Officer on the grounds that a pending criminal case had allegedly not been disclosed in the nomination form. Natarajan, however, argued that the case did not require disclosure under the applicable rules because only summons had been issued and it did not fall under the category of offences carrying a minimum sentence that mandates declaration.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing on her behalf, contended that the rejection of the nomination was not justified and that the disclosure requirements had been incorrectly interpreted.
Following the court's decision, Natarajan reiterated that she would continue to pursue available legal and constitutional remedies. The case has also sparked political debate, with the Congress questioning the manner in which the nomination was rejected.
The Supreme Court's order means that Natarajan's challenge to the nomination rejection will not proceed further in the court at this stage, leaving other election-related remedies open under the law.
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