The High Court of Manipur, while hearing Election Petition No. 7 of 2022 and connected applications, has directed the summoning of the Public Information Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Institute of Textile Technology, Kanpur, to testify regarding the educational qualifications declared by Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam in his nomination affidavit.
The order was passed by the Single Bench of the High Court, Chief Justice, upon disposal of Misc. Case (El. Pet.) No. 19 of 2025.
The officer, Seema Shukla, has been asked to produce relevant records and evidence pertaining to the degree claimed by Karam Shyam, who in his Form-26 affidavit for the 2022 Assembly elections declared himself as a Bachelor of Textile Engineering.
The petition challenging his election was filed by veteran politician Okram Joy, also a contestant from Langthabal Assembly Constituency, who alleged that the affidavit carried multiple misrepresentations, including concealment of a pending criminal case, nondisclosure of properties and assets, and false claims about educational qualifications. Allegations of corrupt practices such as money distribution and voter intimidation were also raised.
Although the petition has been under trial before the Advocate Commissioner, Karam Shyam has reportedly failed to produce himself or his witnesses for examination on several occasions. This prompted the petitioner to seek closure of the respondent’s witness examination.
The Chief Justice had earlier ordered the respondent to cooperate within eight weeks, cautioning that repeated adjournments would attract costs.
