The Ernakulam Sub Court has dismissed a petition by film producer Sandra Thomas challenging the rejection of her nomination for the post of president of the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA). The decision effectively bars her from contesting for any office-bearer position in the association’s upcoming elections.

Sandra, who had also sought to stand for the posts of treasurer and executive committee member, approached the court after the KFPA’s returning officer ruled her ineligible. Under the association’s bye-laws, candidates must submit three censor certificates in their own name as producer. She submitted two certificates under her independent banner, Sandra Thomas Productions, and one from her earlier partnership with Friday Film House. The returning officer held that the latter did not meet the requirement for individual eligibility and rejected her nomination.

In her petition, Sandra argued that the rejection was unlawful and alleged that the returning officer had acted in collusion with the association’s current leadership. She also sought an interim stay on the election process and an order disqualifying the returning officer from overseeing the poll.

The court’s decision ends her immediate bid for a leadership role in the KFPA, whose elections are scheduled for August 14. Responding on social media, Sandra described the verdict as “unexpected and disappointing” and said she would consult legal experts on further action.