THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a landmark verdict that has sent ripples through Kerala’s political landscape, the Nedumangad Judicial First Class Magistrate Court has found former Minister and sitting MLA Antony Raju guilty in the notorious evidence tampering case. The judgment brings a conclusion to a legal saga that spanned over three and a half decades.
1. Sentencing and Political Impact
Since the court found the accused guilty under Section 409, which carries a potential sentence exceeding seven years, the Magistrate Court does not have the jurisdiction to pronounce the final sentence. Consequently, the case has been referred to the Sessions Court for the formal pronouncement of the sentence.
The verdict poses a significant threat to Antony Raju’s political career. Under the Representation of the People Act, any legislator sentenced to two years or more in prison faces immediate disqualification from the Legislative Assembly.
