K.K. Ramesh v. Union of India

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) No one appeared for the petitioner even in the second round of calling.

¶2This writ petition has been filed by the petitioner seeking direction to the respondents to prevent illegal distribution of gifts, cash, including through the use of tokens and other inducements to voters and to monitor whether black money, narcotics or other illicit inducements are circulating in large quantities by considering his representation dated 25.02.2026.

¶3Learned counsel appearing for the Election Commission of India submitted that 2169 Flying Squad Teams have been constituted and deployed throughout Tamil Nadu and these teams are functioning and are promptly responding to complaints received through e-Vigil application and other channels. He would further submit that a total of 2166 Static Surveillance Teams have been positioned at key locations and check-posts. These teams are carrying out intensive inspections of vehicles and individuals to prevent the unlawful movement of cash, liquor, narcotics and other inducements.

¶4Learned Advocate-General appearing for the State would submit that the State of Tamil Nadu is providing all assistance to the Flying Squad Teams and Static Surveillance Teams from time to time.

¶5Since the Election Commission of India has already taken all effective measures and assured that stringent action would be taken against illegal distribution of cash, etc., as alleged, we are not inclined to entertain the present writ petition.

¶6The writ petition is dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. (SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN,J)

01.04.2026 Index : : bbr To:

1.The Home Secretary, Union of India Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi.

2.The Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi - 110 001.

3.The Chief Election Officer(CEO) Tamil Nadu, Fort. St. George, Secretariat,

4.The Home Secretary, State of Tamil Nadu Fort St. George, Secretariat, W.P.(MD),No.8722,of,2026 THE,HON'BLE,CHIEF,JUSTICE ,,,,AND ,G.ARUL,MURUGAN,,J., bbr W.P.(MD),No.8722,of,2026 ,,,,,

01.04.2026 Page,6,of,6

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 01.04.2026 CORAM : THE HONOURABLE MR. SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN and W.M.P. (MD) Nos.7031, 7036, 7037, 7038, 7039, 7044 and 7045 of 2026 K.K.Ramesh S/o.Kuppusamy Iyer, No.26A, Old Mahalipatti Road, South Veli Street, Madurai - 625 001. Petitioner Vs 1.Union of India Rep. by its Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi. 2.The Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi - 110 001. 3.The Chief Election Officer(CEO) Tamil Nadu, Fort. St. George, Secretariat, 4.State of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Home Secretary, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Respondents PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to measures necessary to prevent the illegal distribution of gifts, cash including through the use of tokens and other inducements to voters must be accelerated on a war footing furthermore, special attention must be directed toward monitoring whether black money, narcotics or other illicit inducements are circulating in large quantities. By considering the petitioner's representation dated 25.02.2026. For Petitioner: No Appearance For Respondents: Mr.Niranjan Rajagopalan Standing Counsel for R2 and R3 Mr.P.S.Raman Advocate General assisted by Mrs.E.Ranganayaki Addl. Government Pleader for R4