Madras High Court Orders ECI to Address DMK Minister's Election Dispute
Madras HC seeks ECI reply on DMK minister’s one-vote loss to TVK
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Madras High Court has instructed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to explain its lack of response regarding a disputed postal ballot in the Tiruppattur assembly constituency of Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu. DMK leader KR Periyakaruppan lost to TVK's R Seenivasa Sethupathi by just one vote in the 2026 elections, prompting the legal challenge.
- 01The Madras High Court is demanding a response from the ECI regarding a disputed postal ballot.
- 02DMK leader KR Periyakaruppan lost the election by a single vote to TVK's R Seenivasa Sethupathi.
- 03Periyakaruppan claims a postal ballot was incorrectly sent to another constituency, affecting the election outcome.
- 04The court will continue hearing the case on May 11, without issuing any immediate orders.
- 05Opposing counsel argues that Periyakaruppan should pursue an election petition instead of a writ petition.
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The Madras High Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to file an affidavit regarding a disputed postal ballot in the 2026 assembly elections for the Tiruppattur constituency in Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu. DMK leader KR Periyakaruppan lost the election to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate R Seenivasa Sethupathi by just one vote, with Sethupathi receiving 83,375 votes compared to Periyakaruppan's 83,374 votes. Periyakaruppan has challenged the election results, claiming that a postal ballot was wrongly sent to another constituency and subsequently rejected. During the hearing, the court questioned the ECI's silence on the matter and emphasized the importance of addressing the complaint. Senior advocates representing both sides presented their arguments, with Periyakaruppan seeking an interim order to prevent Sethupathi from participating in assembly proceedings. The court has scheduled further hearings for May 11.
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The outcome of this case could potentially alter the election results, affecting the representation of the Tiruppattur constituency in the Tamil Nadu assembly.
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