A petition filed by Dr. S. Ramadoss, founder of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), challenging the Election Commission’s communication on the party’s ‘mango’ symbol is scheduled for hearing at the Madras High Court on February 2.Ramadoss has approached the High Court questioning a July 30, 2025 communication from the Election Commission of India (ECI) that allotted the mango symbol to the PMK’s current leadership under his son, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss. He has urged the court to quash that letter and direct the ECI to issue a fresh communication recognising him as the lawful president of the party.
In his petition, Ramadoss contends that Anbumani’s third term as party president had ended in May 2025, and alleges that forged documents were submitted to the ECI to maintain leadership control. He claims that authorising meetings without the founder’s approval does not confer legitimate authority on his son’s faction.
The dispute has emerged amid an escalating leadership feud within the PMK, with both factions asserting control over the party’s identity and direction ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Observers say the outcome of the hearing could have significant implications for the party’s electoral prospects, especially since the mango symbol is a key identifier on ballots and a source of recognition among voters.
The case is set to be heard by a Division Bench of the Madras High Court comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan.