Madras HC Warns CM Vijay and Minister Aadhav Arjuna Over Delay in Election Pleas

The Madras High Court on Tuesday warned Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and Public Works Department Minister Aadhav Arjuna that it would impose an exemplary cost of Rs 50,000 each on them if they fail to submit their responses to petitions challenging their victories in the recent assembly elections.

Justice V Lakshminarayanan stated that the court is not concerned with the individuals involved in the litigation, but is focused on ensuring that election petitions are resolved within the statutory period of six months.

The warning came during the hearing of petitions challenging Vijay's election from Perambur assembly constituency, filed by DMK candidate R D Shekar along with voters Dinesh and Lakshmi Narasimman. An election petition was also filed by losing DMK candidate Inigo Irudayaraj challenging Vijay's victory from the Trichy East constituency.

According to the petitioners, Vijay delivered a campaign speech on April 21 in which he appealed to children to urge their parents and family members to vote for the TVK party. The plea argued that this violated the election code prohibiting the involvement of minors in campaign activities. The petitioners also alleged defects in the financial declaration submitted by Vijay in his election affidavit.

In a related matter, DMK candidate Karthik Mohan and voter R Sivaraj filed separate election petitions challenging the election of Aadhav Arjuna from the Villivakkam assembly constituency.

Following the court's observation, counsel representing the Chief Minister and the Minister assured the bench that applications seeking the rejection of the plaints would be submitted within a day. Recording the assurance, the High Court adjourned the matter for its next hearing to August 27.