Justice Mohan Shantangoudar, in his recent order, dismissed the petition filed by JD(S) leader K Devanna Naik, one of the defeated candidates.
Naik had challenged the election claiming Pakkirappa had submitted a false caste certificate. He had also contended that Pakirappa was not an official candidate of BJP as the party had not given him the 'B form'.
The Judge held the mention in Pakkirappa's caste certificate that he belongs to "Hindu Valmiki" caste does not disqualify him as "Hindu" mentioned in the certificate belongS to his religion.
He also ruled that there was no ifirmity in recognising Pakkirappa's candidature as BJP had entered his name in the column meant for substitute candidates after Raja Amaresh Naik withdrew his nomination on the last day of withdrawal of nominations.