TN Assembly Elections | Madras High Court Closes Plea Alleging Distribution Of Cash Token By AIADMK Candidate, Notes ECI Inquiry

The Madras High Court, on Friday (April 17), disposed of a plea seeking an inquiry into the alleged distribution of cash tokens by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate R Manohar in the Harbour assembly constituency for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan disposed the plea after taking note of the submissions made by the standing counsel for the Election Commission of India, Niranjan Rajagopal. The ECI informed the court that after receiving complaints, the flying squad visited the area but did not find any materials. It was also submitted that the investigation is ongoing and an FIR has also been registered in this regard. The ECI also informed the court that the issue is being monitored and a positive action will be taken. “Complaints were received twice. Flying squad visited but didn't find anything. They have preferred an FIR also. Investigation is on. It will be monitored and positive action will be taken. Returning officer's report to the Chief Electoral Officer has also been attached,” Rajagopal said. Taking note of the ECI's submissions, the court closed the plea. The plea, filed by K Raveendran of Chennai stated that in Harbour Assembly constituency, the candidate fielded by the AIADMK, R Manohar, has been distributing cash token through his agents and workers of both AIADMK and BJP party, with whom AIADMK has formed an alliance for the current election. The petitioner submitted that these cash tokens were distributed to each voter holding a valid Family Card in the constituency and each token contained a QR code with a unique serial number. He added that this token was being issued with a promise that the bearer will receive a sum of Rs 10,000, if Manohar wins the elections, and the amount can be collected from Manohar's office after the elections. Raveendran submitted that the campaigning for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections were permitted till April 21, 2026 and the polls were to be held on April 23, 2026. He submitted that it was possible that these tokens would be distributed even after the permitted time for campaigning ends, which would be illegal. It was submitted that this distribution of cash token with a QR code carrying a unique serial number was a clear attempt to induce the voters through monetary gratification, which constituted bribery. Raveendran argued that the acts of Manohar and his partymen was in violation of Section 123(1) of the Representation of People Act, Sections 170 and 173 of the BNS, and violation of Model Code of Conduct which provided guidelines prohibiting distribution of cash or inducement to voters. The petitioner also pointed out that he had given a representation to the Chief Electoral Officer and the Returning Officer for the Harbour Constituency but no action had been taken till date. Thus, seeking immediate action to ensure fairness of the electoral process, he had approached the court. Case Title: K Raveendran v The Chief Election Commissioner and Others Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Mad) 167 Case No: WP 15301 of 2026

TN Assembly Elections | Madras High Court Closes Plea Alleging Distribution Of Cash Token By AIADMK Candidate, Notes ECI Inquiry

Upasana Sajeev

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