Radha Ravi opposes Vishal's petition

Majesty of a constitutional post such as judge should not be reduced to the level of an election officer, said actors association general secretary Radha Ravi on Monday. In a counter-affidavit filed in response to a civil suit of actors Vishal Krishna, Nasser and Si Karthi seeking appointment of a retired judge to conduct polls to South Indian Artist Association, Radha Ravi said: 'Appointment of retired high court judges as an election officer to conduct any association election should never be an order of the day or a fancy or fashion.It is high time this court put an end to this sort of prayer by private organisations, associations and clubs to conduct their elections. The majesty of the constitutional officer that a judge had held should not be reduced to the level of an election officer. The high esteem must be preserved with dignity, and its glory should not be ridiculed and projected in poor light.'
Assailing the criticism against appointment of an election officer, he said the executive committee members of the association had absolute power to rule and control the association, and they have power under Rule 38 to appoint election officers. The order is, however, issued in the name of the general secretary, Radha Ravi said.
He accused Vishal and other challengers of attempting to influence 1,100 postal voters with liquor and money, and added, 'it is first time in the history of the association's election they are laying foundation of such corrupt practice.'
As for Vishal's demand that the July 15 election be deferred and held on a Sunday or a second Sunday, which is mandatory holiday for film works, Radha Ravi said the 3,500 members of the association have full knowledge of the date and venue of the voting, and a vast majority of them did not express any objection to the date and venue. The wish of three people and their personal convenience cannot cause inconvenience to the entire association, he said, and sought dismissal of the petition.