Two judges of the Supreme Court have recused themselves from hearing the long-pending appeal that challenges DMK leader M.K. Stalin’s victory from Chennai’s Kolathur Assembly constituency in the 2011 Tamil Nadu elections.
The election petition was filed by AIADMK candidate Saidai Duraisamy, who alleged that Stalin won through irregularities, including distributing money and gifts to voters and misusing government machinery during the campaign. The Madras High Court had dismissed the petition, following which an appeal was moved before the Supreme Court.
After remaining pending for years, the hearing gained momentum again from February this year, with both sides presenting detailed arguments—Duraisamy’s side pressing the allegations and Stalin’s side denying them.
A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi had reserved its final verdict on February 19. In a fresh development, both judges have now announced their recusal and issued an official two-page order.
The order states that, on the directions of the Chief Justice of India, the case will be listed again before a different bench. The judges did not specify reasons for stepping aside. Justice J.K. Maheshwari is due to retire on June 28.
