With Tamil Nadu set to vote in a single phase for the Assembly election on April 23, an urgent petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the polls, citing alleged distribution of money and costly gifts to voters.
The plea was filed by K.K. Ramesh of Madurai through advocate Jaisukh. It alleges that political parties are offering cash and items such as jewellery, anklets, pots and silver lamps as bribes to influence voters.
The petitioner also points to a series of freebie announcements made as election promises, including financial assistance, washing machines and gift coupons, and claims these violate constitutional principles and the election code of conduct.
Seeking immediate relief, the petition asks the court to cancel the Tamil Nadu Assembly election and to direct the Election Commission to halt the process until final orders are passed. With about 10 days left for polling, the matter is expected to be listed for urgent hearing.
The report notes that the Supreme Court has earlier cautioned the Election Commission to tighten its grip on vote-buying allegations, and the court’s response this time is being closely watched in the state’s political arena.
