Chennai, June 16:
AIADMK Whip and former minister S.S. Krishnamurthy has approached the Madras High Court challenging the acceptance of resignations of three party MLAs and seeking a stay on the proposed by-elections to their constituencies.
The petition pertains to the resignations of Maragatham Kumaravel (Madurantakam), K.S. Jayakumar (Perundurai) and P. Sathyabama (Dharapuram), who have since joined the ruling TVK. Krishnamurthy alleged that the resignations were accepted in violation of constitutional and statutory provisions, as disqualification petitions against the legislators under the Tenth Schedule were pending before the Speaker at the time.
He contended that the resignations were processed with undue haste and without proper enquiry. The plea seeks to quash the acceptance of their resignations and to restrain the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer from issuing notifications or conducting by-elections in the three constituencies.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan heard the matter and adjourned it for further hearing on June 17.
During the proceedings, Advocate General Vijay Narayan, appearing for the State, submitted that disqualification proceedings had initially been initiated against 25 AIADMK MLAs for allegedly violating the party whip by supporting the government. However, he noted that AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami had later accepted the apology of 21 legislators, leading to the withdrawal of proceedings against them.
The Advocate General further stated that the four MLAs had voluntarily resigned from their posts, while notices had been issued to them seeking explanations regarding the disqualification proceedings. He added that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with Assembly rules.
The case is expected to have significant political implications, particularly with regard to the timing and conduct of by-elections in the affected constituencies.