Thirumavalan files poll petition

Chennai, Aug 18: The Madras High Court yesterday ordered issue of notice to Election Commission of India and AIADMK's N Murugumaran, who won the May 16 assembly poll by 87 votes in Kattumannarkoil constituency in Cuddalore district, on a petition by VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan, who lost the polls.

Justice M Duraiswamy while admitting the petition, directed Murugumaran and the Returning officer to file their reply within four weeks and posted the matter for further hearing to September 16.

Thirumavalavan contended that police and other election officials turned a blind eye to the lapses and contraventions and deliberate violations of the code of conduct by the AIADMK candidate, including distribution of money.

He further submitted that on the date of counting, the Returning Officer "improperly and contrary" to the rules disregarded a total number of 102 postal votes. When questioned the RO about the rejection of postal votes, refused to provide any reasons he alleged.

He submitted that his chief election agent Dhanukodi was not allowed to clearly witness the counting and further said the results of each round of counting was not declared properly. He prayed to set aside the election of AIADMK candidate. The court posted the matter for further hearing.

PTI