K.Prakasam v. The Chief Election Commissioner

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) This writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeks the following relief: "For the reasons stated above, it is therefore prayed that a writ or any direction in the form of Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st and 2nd respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 11.04.2026 and initiate disciplinary enquiry as against the 3rd and 4th respondents within the time frame fixed by this Hon'ble Court and pass such other orders as it may deem fit and proper and thus render justice."

¶2Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that lot of discrepancies have been committed by respondents 3 and 4 and they have not even followed the guidelines laid down in the Handbook for Returning Officers 2023 issued by the Election Commission of India while conducting Assembly Election-2026 for 135-Karur Assembly Constituency.

¶3In effect, the direction sought by the petitioner is to consider his representation for initiation of disciplinary enquriy against respondents 3 and 4, which, this court, exercising jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India cannot direct, as it falls within the purview of service jurisprudence. Further, the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition refers to respondent Nos.5 and 6, whose names do not find place in the array of parties in the cause-title.

¶4It is also a matter of record that the petitioner is a resident of Erode, whereas the grievance ventilated is in respect of Karur constituency. The writ petition is not maintainable and, therefore, the same is dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. (SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN,J)

09.07.2026 Index : : bbr To:

1.The Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001.

2.The Chief Electoral Officer and The Principal Secretary to the Government, Secretariat, Fort Saint George, Chennai-600 009.

3.The Returning Officer/ Revenue Divisional Officer Revenue Division Office, Karur-639 001.

4.The Principal Assistant Returning Officer/Tahsildar Taluk Office, Karur-639 001. W.P.No.25420,of,2026 THE,HON'BLE,CHIEF,JUSTICE ,,,,AND ,G.ARUL,MURUGAN,,J., bbr W.P.No.25420,of,2026 ,,,,,

09.07.2026 Page,5,of,5

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 09.07.2026 CORAM : THE HONOURABLE MR. SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN K.Prakasam S/o.Kailasam, No.32, Old No.28, Nehru Street, Alankattu Valasu, Modakkurichi, Erode- 638104, Tamil Nadu. Petitioner Vs 1.The Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001. 2.The Chief Electoral Officer and The Principal Secretary to the Government, Secretariat, Fort Saint George, Chennai-600 009. 3.The Returning Officer/ Revenue Divisional Officer Revenue Division Office, Karur-639 001. 4.The Principal Assistant Returning Officer/Tahsildar Taluk Office, Karur-639 001. Respondent 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 petitioner's representation dated 11.04.2026 and initiate disciplinary enquiry as against the 3rd and 4th respondents. For Petitioner: Dr.Leelesh Sundaram for M/s. Nathan and Associates For Respondents: Mr. Niranjan Rajagopalan