In a crucial move before the Assembly elections, the Madras High Court has instructed the Income Tax Department to investigate alleged discrepancies in Udhayanidhi Stalin’s asset declarations. The court has set a tight deadline for the department to submit a report by April 20. This directive comes as voters prepare to cast their votes on April 23, emphasizing the importance of accurate financial disclosures by candidates.
The petition, filed by a resident of Udhayanidhi Stalin’s constituency, highlighted inconsistencies in his asset declarations across different election cycles. The petitioner’s counsel pointed out various discrepancies, such as missing assets, unclear liabilities, and differences between election affidavits and corporate filings. These issues have raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
During the court proceedings, it was clarified that while candidates are required to provide truthful disclosures, Returning Officers lack the authority to independently verify the accuracy of each declaration. The Representation of the People Act, 1951, includes provisions for penalties in cases of false declarations, but any legal action typically follows the electoral process. The primary focus remains on ensuring voters have access to accurate financial information about candidates before voting.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 20, awaiting the submission of the Income Tax Department’s investigative report.
