The Madras High Court has begun proceedings on election petitions contesting the wins of multiple MLAs in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Notices have been issued in some cases, while time has been granted to address defects in others. Justice P.B. Balaji, overseeing five election petitions, has instructed respondents to submit their replies, scheduling further hearings for August 21.
One of the petitions, filed by voter Gandhimathinathan from the Ambasamudram Assembly constituency, aims to invalidate the election of AIADMK candidate Isakki Subbaiah, who has resigned from his seat despite winning. Additionally, the High Court is reviewing two petitions challenging the election of DMK MLA O. Panneerselvam from the Bodinayakanur Assembly constituency, filed by voters T. Kannan and Milani.
In a separate case, BJP candidate K.R.M. Radhakrishnan is contesting the election of DMK leader Anitha R. Radhakrishnan from the Tiruchendur Assembly constituency. The court is also examining a petition by voter Viswanathan challenging the election of Lakshiya Jananayaga Katchi leader Jose Charles Martin from the Kamaraj Nagar Assembly constituency in Puducherry.
Justice Balaji has issued notices to Isakki Subbaiah, O. Panneerselvam, Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, and Jose Charles Martin, requiring them to respond before the next hearing. Meanwhile, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh is handling petitions challenging the election of DMK MLA Manoj Pandian from the Alangulam Assembly constituency and TVK MLA Anand from the T. Nagar Assembly constituency.
The petitioners have been given time to address any defects in their pleadings before detailed consideration. The court has adjourned the proceedings to July 17 for further action. It’s important to note that these petitions are in the initial stages, and the High Court has not made any judgments on the allegations raised.
