Thu Jan 09 10:07:26 UTC 2025: ## Madras High Court Halts Election Commission’s Probe into AIADMK Internal Disputes
**Chennai, January 9, 2025** – The Madras High Court issued a stay order on Thursday, halting all proceedings before the Election Commission of India (ECI) concerning complaints filed by expelled members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) against the party leadership.
The interim order, granted by a division bench, came in response to six writ petitions filed by the AIADMK, represented by its general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The petitions challenged the ECI’s jurisdiction to investigate intra-party disputes based on complaints from expelled members, including P. Ravindranath, K.C. Palanisamy, and Va Pugazhendi.
The court’s decision stemmed from the AIADMK’s argument that the ECI’s actions exceeded its authority. The party’s counsel, C. Aryama Sundaram, argued that the ECI’s involvement in internal party matters is not sanctioned by the Representation of the People Act of 1950 or the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order of 1968. He cited an August 7, 2023, affidavit from the ECI to the Delhi High Court stating that it does not regulate intra-party functions.
While the ECI’s counsel, Niranjan Rajagopalan, contended that the AIADMK’s petitions were based on a presumption of ECI overreach, the court questioned how the ECI could adjudicate intra-party issues, especially with related civil suits pending in the High Court. Justice Subramanian clarified that a previous order regarding a representation by S. Surya Moorthi did not grant the ECI jurisdiction to delve into the party’s internal affairs.
The High Court’s stay order effectively prevents the ECI from further action on the complaints filed by the expelled AIADMK members until the matter is fully resolved. The case highlights the ongoing tension within the AIADMK and the limitations of the ECI’s role in resolving internal political party conflicts.
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