SRINAGAR: An RTI filed by a Srinagar resident with the Registrar of Births and Deaths reveals that NC Lok Sabha Candidate Aga Ruhullah Mehdi was born at Gupkar Nursing Home, Srinagar, on 11th August 1982.
Aga Ruhullah has consistently claimed his year of birth as 1977 in all election affidavits since his first election in 2002. Interestingly, he was taken to court in 2002 by his uncle, Aga Syed Mehmood, alleging manipulation of his birth year.
The case was dismissed at the time due to lack of conclusive evidence, prior to the enactment of the Right to Information Act.
Reports suggest that his passport also lists his birth year as 1982. Allegedly, his date of birth was falsified in 2002, purportedly to enable him to contest elections as an underage candidate.
While the RTI confirms Aga Ruhullah’s birth as August 11, 1982, his election affidavits since 2002 have consistently stated his birth year as 1977.
According to Section 125-A of the Representation of People’s Act, if proven that Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has knowingly provided false information in affidavits, he faces retrospective disqualification from all previous terms as an MLA and potential disqualification as an MP.
Conviction under this section could result in a fine, disqualification, and a jail term of six months.
Sources suggest that the NC leadership has nominated Salman Ali Sagar, son of its General Secretary, as a backup candidate for Aga Ruhullah Mehdi in light of these developments.
If the case proceeds to trial and discrepancies in state records persist, Aga Ruhullah may be required to testify, along with family members, in court. Additionally, medical testing could be pursued to verify his age.
A conviction could potentially bar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi from contesting elections for up to 15 years and may involve reimbursement of all remuneration and perks received during his previous terms as an MLA.
