Poll Charges: India's HM faces trial

India's Home Minister P Chidambaram could face a civil trial over allegations that he broke voting rules during the 2009 general election, following a court ruling yesterday.
In a fresh blow to the beleaguered government, the court in Madurai city in the southern state of Tamil Nadu refused to throw out charges lodged by the politician who lost the vote to Chidambaram.
The home minister, one of India's most high-profile public figures, is accused of "manipulating votes and indulging in corrupt practices" in the election, which was won overall by an alliance led by the Congress party.
Chidambaram, who is likely to appeal the ruling, has previously rigorously denied all allegations of corruption.