DMK leader moves court against TVK’s Srinivasa Sethupathi as Madras HC reserves verdict

Rashmi Pandey — Mon, 11 May 2026 09:20:56 +0000

The Madras High Court on Monday reserved its order on a petition filed by K. R. Periyakaruppan seeking to restrain Srinivasa Sethupathi from taking oath as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) following a dispute linked to a postal ballot during the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly election process.

The petition relates to an alleged postal ballot delivery error involving the Tiruppattur Assembly constituency. According to the plea, a postal ballot intended for Tiruppattur in Sivaganga district was mistakenly delivered to the Tiruppattur Assembly constituency located in Tiruppattur district, leading to questions regarding the handling of election documents and the validity of the electoral process in the constituency.

During the hearing, counsel representing the petitioner argued that the alleged ballot discrepancy required judicial scrutiny before the MLA-elect could formally assume office. The petitioner sought an interim restraint on Srinivasa Sethupathi taking oath until the court examined the circumstances surrounding the postal ballot issue.

The court heard submissions from both sides before reserving its order. Details regarding the date for pronouncement of the verdict were not immediately announced.

The case has attracted political attention in Tamil Nadu because it involves the recently concluded Assembly election process and the role of postal ballots in closely contested constituencies. Postal ballots are typically issued to service voters, election staff and certain categories of eligible voters unable to vote in person.

Legal representatives appearing in the matter reportedly argued over whether the alleged delivery error materially affected the election process or result. Election authorities are also understood to have submitted records related to the disputed ballot handling procedure during the hearing.

The case comes amid growing political competition in Tamil Nadu involving regional parties including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the political party launched by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

Srinivasa Sethupathi’s victory had drawn attention as part of TVK’s expanding political presence in the state’s electoral landscape. The latest court proceedings are now being closely watched by political observers and party workers ahead of the formal legislative procedures involving newly elected members.

The Madras High Court has dealt with several election-related petitions in recent years involving recount requests, nomination disputes and procedural irregularity claims linked to state and local body elections.

No official response was immediately issued by TVK leadership following the court proceedings. Election authorities have also not publicly commented in detail on the postal ballot discrepancy cited in the petition.

Further developments are expected after the High Court delivers its reserved order in the matter.

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DMK leader moves court against TVK’s Srinivasa Sethupathi as Madras HC reserves verdict