Madras HC directive to election observer: Nadar Sangam to have polls within 3 months

Chennai: Madras high court has directed election observer JAK Sampathkumar, a retired judge of the same court appointed by it, to conduct elections for Nellai Thoothukodi Nadar Mahamai Paripalana Sangam within three months.

Justice N. Sathishkumar, before whom a batch of pleas seeking directions to conduct of elections to the sangam came up for hearing, said, “Having regard to the fact that elections were not conducted for many years, I am of the view that the Election Commissioner appointed by the court shall conduct the elections as per the existing constituencies instead of distribution of constituencies. Election officer/ commissioner shall conduct election as per the existing constituencies and the voters list.”

The petitioners sought direction from the court order election to the Sangam as per the existing list by the court appointed election officer.

The judge said, “I am of the view that since the members elected have not conducted elections for all these years strictly following the by-law now they cannot insist upon the bye-law alone”.

Any person has any objection with regard to the elections such objection can be made before the election officer and the decision of the election officer in that regard is final and the same is binding on all the parties as the election officer is officer of the court to discharge his duties.

Referring to various allegations including misappropriation of funds by office bearers, the judge said “In view of this and also the fact that serious allegations of misappropriation is already raised the suspension order against AM Vikramraja cannot be revoked without any trial.”

The judge directed the election officer to fix the election date after following bye-laws particularly with regard to notice for such elections and conduct the elections as per the existing constituencies and voters list and conclude the elections within three months.