Battle of Namesakes: SC Verdict Leaves Candidates in Limbo

The Supreme Court, stationed in New Delhi, on Friday rebuffed a petition aimed at barring doppelganger candidates, individuals who intentionally run for elections under the same name, thereby undermining the prospects of genuine contenders.

Presiding over the case, Justice B R Gavai, leading the bench, queried the petitioner’s legal representative, “are you acquainted with the anticipated outcome of this case?” The bench, which also included justices Satish Chandra Sharma and Sandeep Mehta, pondered, “If another individual shares the name of Rahul Gandhi or Lalu Prasad Yadav… if such appellations were deliberately chosen by their parents, can we legally obstruct their participation in electoral contests?” The bench deliberated on how a mere name could obstruct one’s electoral aspirations, prompting them to ask the petitioner’s counsel, “would such a restriction not encroach upon their rights?”

Despite the petitioner’s counsel emphasizing the significance of the issue raised in the petition, the bench remained unconvinced. The counsel contended that this matter had been thoroughly scrutinized following an examination of two reports issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Sensing the bench’s reluctance to entertain the plea presented by Sabu Steephen, the counsel requested permission to withdraw the petition. Accordingly, the apex court dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

The plea had sought a directive to the ECI to delve into the backgrounds of namesake candidates and prevent their candidacy if it was discerned that they were deliberately fielded by opposing parties.