The Madras High Court has lifted its stay on the Election Commission of India (ECI) from probing AIADMK’s internal dispute.
A division bench of Justices R. Subramanian and G. Arul Murugan dismissed AIADMK’s petitions challenging the ECI’s authority. The court directed the ECI to act strictly within Paragraph 15 of the Election Symbols Order, 1968.
This provision allows the ECI to decide which faction of a split party should be officially recognized. However, the court emphasized that the ECI must first establish whether a legitimate dispute exists before proceeding.
Among those who had approached the ECI were P. Ravindranath, son of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and other expelled AIADMK members, including K.C. Palanisamy and Va Pugazhendi.
These individuals had contested amendments made to the AIADMK’s bylaws and the election of Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) as the party’s general secretary.
EPS opposed the ECI’s jurisdiction, arguing it lacked authority over internal party matters. On January 9, 2024, the Madras High Court issued a temporary stay on the ECI’s inquiry.
With the stay now vacated, the ECI can resume its proceedings. Its decision will be crucial in determining AIADMK’s future leadership and control over the party’s ‘Two Leaves’ symbol.