A Bench presided over by Justice A. Badharudeen has recused itself from hearing petitions challenging the election to the Lok Sabha of Congress MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K.C. Venugopal, from the Wayanad and Alappuzha constituencies, respectively.The petitions were posted before the Bench on Thursday after a Bench presided over by Justice K. Babu ceased to hear the matter after his retirement from service on attaining superannuation. With the Bench of Justice Badharudeen recusing itself from hearing the petitions, another Single Bench would consider the petitions on May 25.In her petition challenging the election of Ms. Gandhi, Navya Haridas, the BJP candidate from Wayanad in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, alleged that Ms. Gandhi suppressed vital information regarding assets owned by her and her family, thereby misleading voters and influencing their electoral choice. This was a corrupt practice under the Representation of People’s Act, 1951. Her nomination papers violated election laws and the Conduct of Election Rules. The HC had earlier issued notice to Ms. Gandhi after admitting the petition.Mr. Venugopal’s election was challenged by A.M. Ariff, his rival candidate from the Alappuzha constituency in the 2024 election, alleging corrupt practices. Published - May 22, 2026 07:19 pm IST