The George Town High Court has overturned Independent Padang Serai MP N Gobalakrishnan’s acquittal and has today ordered him to enter his defence.

Gobalakrishnan had been charged with using criminal force to obstruct a police officer in 2009, which carries the penalty of a fine not exceeding RM2,000, or two years jail, or both, upon conviction.

“I find that criminal force was used against Sub-inspector (M Karunamuthi) during the execution of his job as a public servant.

“I therefore set aside the decision made by the magistrate’s court and order Gobalakrishnan to enter his defence on the charge,” The Star quoted judge Zamani Abdul Wahab as saying.

Gobalakrishnan allegedly committed the offence on nomination day for the Permatang Pasir by-election, on Aug 17, 2009, while he was then a PKR parliamentarian.

The daily also reported that Gobalakrishnan’s counsel Saiful Ambar Abdullah Ambar is looking for grounds for appeal at the High Court, and would apply for a stay in the hearing at the Bukit Mertajam magistrate’s Court.

The magistrate’s court had previously acquitted him without calling for his defence.

Gobalakrishnan has had previous run-ins with the law, including being charged with criminal intimidation of a police officer in 2007, and allegedly obstructing a police officer in 2002.