HC notice to EC, parties on use of money, kids during polls

Chennai: Madras high court directed the Election Commission and political parties, including DMK, AIADMK and TVK, to respond to a public interest writ petition seeking an independent probe into allegations of cash distribution to voters and the use of minors during the assembly election campaign.

A vacation bench of Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice V Lakshminarayanan issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by advocate Vasuki from Bhuvanagiri. The bench adjourned the hearing to July 1.

According to the petitioner, DMK and AIADMK distributed cash to voters during the recently concluded Assembly election campaign. The petition further alleged that members of the TVK influenced minors and urged them to persuade their parents to vote for the party. She moved the high court seeking a free and independent investigation into the allegations.

Senior counsel S Muralidhar, appearing for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, argued that the petition was filed solely based on news reports. He submitted that the Model Code of Conduct ceases to apply once election results are declared and contended that allegations relating to poll code violations could only be adjudicated through an election petition.

Appearing for DMK, senior counsel NR Elango said there were no allegations against the party regarding the use of children in campaigning. He further contended that allegations relating to corrupt electoral practices required the successful candidates concerned to be impleaded as parties to the case. Counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan, representing the Election Commission, sought time to file a response.

Accepting the request, the bench directed all respondents to file their counters before the next hearing on July 1.