The Madras High Court has started proceedings on multiple election petitions challenging the victories of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and State Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna in the recent state Assembly elections. Notices will be issued once procedural defects are rectified within a week. Respondents, including the Chief Minister, the Sports Minister, and the Election Commission of India, have been directed to respond within three weeks upon receiving the notices.
The court emphasized the importance of a swift hearing, as election petitions are required to be resolved within six months by law. Six petitions are being addressed, with four contesting Chief Minister Vijay’s election and two questioning Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna’s victory. Notably, three petitions pertain to Chief Minister Vijay’s win in the Perambur Assembly constituency during the May 2026 elections.
One of the petitions challenges Chief Minister Vijay’s election from the Tiruchirappalli (East) Assembly constituency, citing alleged violations of election laws. The petitioner seeks to annul the Chief Minister’s election, declare themselves as the rightful winner in Perambur, and halt any by-election until the petition is conclusively decided. Similarly, Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna’s election from the Villivakkam Assembly constituency is under scrutiny through two petitions filed by a defeated DMK candidate and a voter.
The High Court is expected to revisit the cases once the procedural issues are addressed and notices are served on the concerned parties.
