R.A.S.Senthilvel v. The Chief Election Commissioner

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) Heard.

¶2This writ petition, styled as public interest litigation, seeks direction to respondent Nos.1 and 2 to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 13.4.2026 alleging distribution of Rs.8000 Illatharasi coupons by the fifth respondent in the State of Tamil Nadu and destruct the same in entirety and to initiate penal action against the fifth respondent.

¶3Today when the matter is taken up, learned counsel appearing for the Election Commission of India submitted that the complaints have been looked into by the Election Commission of India and it is found that there is violation of the provisions contained in Section 127A of the Representation of People Act, 1951. An FIR has been lodged in certain constituencies by the Returning Officer. He would also submit that show cause notice dated 11.4.2026 has also been issued to the political party concerned and action is being taken.

¶4Recording the submission made by learned counsel for the Election Commission of India, the writ petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. (SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN,J)

21.04.2026 Index : : bbr To:

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

2.The Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu & Principal Secretary to Government Public (Elections II) Department, 1st Floor, Main Building, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.

3.The Director General of Police/ Head of Police Force (HoPF), Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai-600 004.

4.The Additional Chief Electoral Officer Public (Elections) Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009. W.P.No.15432,of,2026 THE,HON'BLE,CHIEF,JUSTICE ,,,,AND ,G.ARUL,MURUGAN,,J., bbr W.P.No.15432,of,2026 ,,,,,

21.04.2026 Page,5,of,5

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 21.04.2026 CORAM : THE HONOURABLE MR. SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN and W.M.P.No.16671 of 2026 R.A.S.Senthilvel F2, Evan Flats No 17/37 Sadasiva Mehta Street, Mehta Nagar, Aminjikarai, Chennai 600 029 Petitioner Vs 1.The Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi- 110 001 2.The Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu & Principal Secretary to Government Public (Elections II) Department, 1st Floor, Main Building, Secretariat, Chennai- 600 009. 3.The Director General of Police/ Head of Police Force (HoPF), Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai- 600 004. 4.The Additional Chief Electoral Officer Public (Elections) Department, Secretariat, Chennai- 600 009. 5.Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rep. by its General Secretary, Anna Arivalayam, No. 367/369, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai- 600 018. Respondents PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the 1st and 2nd respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 13.04.2026 and forthwith initiate appropriate action, either by itself or through its officials, to seize the Rs.8000 Illatharasi coupons and connected annexures supplied which are being distributed/circulated or meant for distribution/circulation by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) (5th respondent) party in the State of Tamil Nadu and destruct the same in entirety and further, initiate appropriate penal action against the DMK party functionaries and candidates who are involved in distribution and circulation of such coupons under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. For Petitioner: Mr.Naveen Kumar Murthi for Mr.P.P.Purushothaman For Respondents: Mr.Niranjan Rajagopalan Standing Counsel for R1, R2 and R4 Mr.E.Raj Thilak Addl. Public Prosecutor for R3