Sandra Thomas Barred From KFPA Presidential Race As Court Dismisses Petition
In a significant legal setback ahead of the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) elections, actress-producer Sandra Thomas has been disqualified from contesting for the president’s post after the Ernakulam Sub Court dismissed her petition challenging the rejection of her nomination papers on Wednesday. The KFPA office-bearer elections are scheduled for tomorrow.
Sandra Thomas approached the court seeking a stay on the rejection of her nomination, alleging bias and lack of transparency in the KFPA’s administrative process. She also questioned the unusually long tenure of the current returning officer, claiming it violated the association’s constitutional norms.
Read Also: Sandra Thomas Accuses Director B Unnikrishnan For ‘Sidelining Her’ In The Industry
Her nomination for both president and treasurer was earlier rejected by the returning officer, citing her failure to submit mandatory censor certificates for her productions, a requirement under KFPA bylaws. Sandra, however, argued that she had met all eligibility criteria and that the decision was “unjust and discriminatory.”
She further alleged that the returning officer had held the position for over two decades, which she claimed was contrary to fair governance principles. In a startling revelation, Sandra claimed that veteran actor Mammootty had personally requested her to withdraw the case against KFPA.
During an interview with OneIndia, the actor-producer, who was outed by the film body for allegedly violating the rules set by the body in November last year, explained that the mega-star called her and talked for nearly one hour.
Read Also: Sandra Thomas Alleges Mammootty Called, Asked Her To Drop Complaint Against Film Body
“I asked him if it happened to his daughter, would he advise the same to her, saying these like – ‘do not react, it would affect you, and would adversely impact your career, and the producers will not permit your film in theatres.
While expressing “pain and disappointment” over the verdict, Sandra said she respected the court’s decision. She also announced her intention to contest for the posts of General Secretary and Vice President in the upcoming Film Chamber elections.
