Chennai: In a significant development in the ongoing leadership dispute within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the Madras High Court has granted an interim injunction against O. Panneerselvam, a prominent leader of the party who was expelled.
The injunction restrains him from claiming to be the coordinator or even a primary member of the party, as well as from using the party’s official letterhead, its iconic two leaves symbol, and flag.
The interim injunction, which is set to be in effect until November 30, was issued in response to a plea by AIADMK’s general secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Palaniswami’s counsel, Senior Counsel Vijay Narayan, argued that Panneerselvam’s claims were causing confusion among the public, especially as parliamentary elections were on the horizon. Panneerselvam’s failure to file a counter-affidavit despite multiple adjournments played a pivotal role in the court’s decision.
Advocate P. Rajalakshmi, representing O. Panneerselvam, requested an additional adjournment following the Diwali holidays. She mentioned that her client had also filed an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging a Division Bench of the High Court’s refusal to intervene in his expulsion from the party. The appeal had been assigned a number and was expected to be scheduled for a hearing.
Justice Kumar, presiding over the case, granted the interim relief while noting that the matter of the party’s leadership had been contested through various legal proceedings. Thus far, O. Panneerselvam had not obtained a stay of the High Court’s order from the Supreme Court. He added that if the Supreme Court were to issue a stay on the Division Bench’s order, the current interim injunction would automatically become void.
This recent development underscores the intensifying battle for control within the AIADMK and the legal complexities surrounding it. As the party gears up for important political events, the future of its leadership remains uncertain, pending further legal proceedings. The coming days will be crucial in determining the final outcome of this power struggle.