The Election Commission of India (ECI) informed the Madras High Court that by-elections to five Assembly constituencies will be held after the court completes hearing the pending election cases.
The High Court had earlier restrained the ECI from announcing bypolls for Tiruchy East, Karur, Viralimalai, Perundurai and Ambasamudram, citing the pendency of election petitions. Petitions seeking to lift the restraint were filed by Chief Minister Vijay and others, and the matter came up again before a bench comprising the Chief Justice Dharmadhikari and Justice Arulmurgan.
Submitting its stand, the ECI said the decision not to notify bypolls is not permanent and that elections would be conducted once the High Court disposes of the cases. It also pointed out that the election petition in Perundurai has been dismissed, but an appeal can be filed until November 24, and sought time to take a decision in accordance with law.
The ECI further stated that the Representation of the People Act does not mandate an election on the very first day a seat is declared vacant, and provides a six-month window. While acknowledging the need for representation in every constituency, it urged the court to reject the request to direct the ECI to hold bypolls immediately. The hearing was adjourned for further arguments from the ECI side.
