Chennai, July 8:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed the Madras High Court that ₹599.24 crore was seized across Tamil Nadu during the 2026 Assembly elections as part of intensified surveillance to curb electoral malpractices.
In a counter affidavit filed before the court, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik stated that the seizures were carried out by 2,283 Flying Squad Teams and 2,221 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs). She noted that the amount was detected after the activation of the Election Seizure Management System, highlighting the scale of enforcement measures deployed during the polls.
The affidavit also underscored that children cannot be used in any election-related activities. Patnaik pointed out that the ECI had already issued directions in 2024 instructing political parties and candidates to refrain from involving minors in campaigns. She added that the Commission would examine whether further guidelines were needed, especially in the context of campaigns targeting children indirectly through social media to influence voters.
The Commission further submitted that multiple mechanisms—including Flying Squads, SSTs, and Video Surveillance Teams—were in place to monitor election expenditure and prevent inducements such as cash distribution to voters.
The submission came in response to a writ petition filed by advocate L. Vasuki from Cuddalore district, who alleged widespread cash-for-vote practices during the 2026 elections. The petitioner also raised concerns over the alleged use of children to indirectly influence voters, arguing that such practices undermine democratic fairness and constitutional values.
Maintaining that adequate safeguards were already in place, the ECI contended that the petition was not maintainable and should be dismissed.