Madras High Court Orders Notice on Election Petition Against DMK MP

The Madras High Court issued notices to the Election Commission and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran based on a petition by M L Ravi. The petition challenges Maran's April 2024 Chennai Central election victory, alleging violations of the Representation of People Act. A hearing is scheduled for September 26.

The Madras High Court has issued notices to the Election Commission and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran following a petition to nullify his April 2024 election win from Chennai Central. The petition, filed by M L Ravi, President of Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi, alleges breaches of the Representation of People Act.

Ravi contends that post-April 17, it was incumbent on candidates to cease campaigning. However, on April 19, the DMK allegedly ran newspaper advertisements promoting their symbol and candidates, which Ravi argues influenced voters in violation of sections 126 and 123 of the Act.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh has scheduled a further hearing for September 26. Similarly, in another ruling, Justice G Jayachandran issued notices to the EC and Congress MP Robert Bruce based on a BJP candidate's petition disputing Bruce's election from the Tirunelveli constituency.

(With inputs from agencies.)