Madras High Court to Address Allegations of Cash Incentives by DMK and AIADMK Candidates
Synopsis
The Madras High Court is set to hear urgent writ petitions alleging cash inducements by DMK and AIADMK candidates ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The petitions raise serious concerns about electoral integrity and democratic practices.
Key Takeaways
The Madras High Court is addressing serious allegations of cash inducements by election candidates.
DMK candidates are accused of distributing coupons tied to election promises.
AIADMK candidates are reported to be offering tokens that could influence voter decisions.
Petitioners seek action from election authorities against these practices.
The integrity of the electoral process is under scrutiny as the elections approach.
Chennai, April 16 (NationPress) The Madras High Court has consented to address two urgent writ petitions on Friday that allege the distribution of cash-related incentives by candidates from the DMK and AIADMK as the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach.
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan, allowed an expedited hearing following arguments presented by advocate A.P. Suryaprakasam, who has filed complaints against multiple DMK candidates.
The bench indicated that a separate petition submitted by advocate K. Raveendran against an AIADMK candidate would be considered concurrently if both petitions are assigned numbers by the end of the day.
In his petition, Suryaprakasam claimed that DMK candidates initiated the distribution of Rs 8,000 coupons to voters, allegedly linked to a manifesto commitment aimed at non-income tax-paying homemakers. He argued that the implementation of this promise was conditional on the party winning power. However, he contended that the early distribution of these coupons during campaigning constituted a direct inducement to voters, compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
The petitioner characterized this alleged practice as a significant threat to democracy, asserting that videos and eyewitness testimonies of coupon distribution are widely available. He also claimed there has been a lack of action from election authorities despite a complaint filed on April 15, requesting the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer to take strict measures, including arresting those engaged in the distribution of coupons or cash.
In a separate petition, Raveendran accused AIADMK candidate Royapuram Mano, also known as R. Manohar, who is contesting from the Harbour constituency in Chennai, of distributing Rs 10,000 tokens to voters. Filed through senior counsel Nissar Ahmed, this plea claimed that these tokens featured QR codes and serial numbers, which when scanned revealed the AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ symbol.
The petitioner argued that these tokens were being used to promise monetary benefits post-elections, effectively representing an indirect method of voter bribery, thus violating the Model Code of Conduct. He requested directives to the ECI, the Chief Electoral Officer, and the Returning Officer of the Harbour constituency to confiscate these tokens and take necessary actions.
Point of View
It raises essential questions about accountability and the adherence to democratic principles during the election cycle. The outcome of these petitions could significantly impact public trust in the electoral process.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations made against DMK and AIADMK candidates?
The allegations involve the distribution of cash-linked incentives, including coupons and tokens, to voters, which are claimed to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
When will the Madras High Court hear these petitions?
The Madras High Court has scheduled to hear the petitions on Friday.
What actions are being requested from the Election Commission?
Petitioners are seeking strict actions against those involved in distributing cash or coupons, including potential arrests.
Who are the key figures involved in these allegations?
Key figures include advocates A.P. Suryaprakasam and K. Raveendran, and candidates from DMK and AIADMK.
How might these allegations affect the upcoming elections?
If proven true, these allegations could severely impact public trust in the electoral process and lead to stricter enforcement of election laws.
