THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA -- Judgment of the High Court of Madras in Election Petition No.01 of 2019

[Regd. No. TN/CCN/467/2012-14.

© GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU [R. Dis. No. 197/2009. 2026  [Price :  Rs. 6.40 Paise.

No.355] CHENNAI, FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026 Aavani 4, Parabhava, Thiruvalluvar Aandu–2057

Part V—Section 4

Notification  by  the  Election  Commission  of  India

NOTIFICATION  BY  THE  ELECTION  COMMISSION  OF  INDIA

JUDGMENT OF THE HIGH COURT OF MADRAS IN ELECTION PETITION No.01 OF 2019

No.  SRO  G–18/2026.

The following Notification of the Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110 001, dated 5th August, 2026 [14 Shravan,1948 (Saka)] is published:-

No.  82/TN-LA/(EP  1  of  2019)/2026:- In pursuance of section 106(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951), the Election Commission hereby publishes the Order of the Hon'ble High Court of Madras dated 01.07.2026 in Election Petition No.1 of 2019.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS (ORDINARY ORIGINAL CIVIL JURISDICTION) WEDNESDAY, THE 01ST DAY OF JULY 2026 THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH Election  Petition  No.  1  of  2019 and OA.Nos.942  to  945,  1098  &  1099  OF  2019 and O.A.NO.242  OF  2024

DTP—V-4 Ex.(355)—1

[ 1 ]2 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY

ELP  No.1  of  2019:-

SRINIVASAN.V. 1/98, Kosukundu Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

..Petitioner(s)

-Vs-

RAJAVARMAN M.S.R 1/67, South Street, Mullikulam, Malli Post, Srivilliputhur Taluk–626 141 Virudhunagar District.

2. SUNDARARAJ N. 1/19A, North Street, K.Vengateshwarapuram Post, Kalugumalai (via) Kovilpatti Taluk 628 552, Thoothukudi District.

3. SUBBARAJ S. 88/8A, D.D.Road, N.G.O.Colony, Srivilliputhur 626 125 Virudhunagar District.

4. SURESH KUMAR P. 55/13c/2a, Sukkiravarpatti Road, Muthumari Nagar, Thiruthangal, Sivakasi Taluk,Virudhunagar District.

5. ANANTHARAJ.I. 2/156, Ward 1, Samiyar Colony, Kathalampatti Panchayat, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

6. ESAKKI MUTHU A. 38, Sundaranandha, Bajanaimada East Street, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

7. RAJENDRAN G. 1/143, Vanigavaisiyar Street, S.Ramalingapuram 626 102, Rajapalayam Taluk.

8. SANKAR R. 47, Perumalkovil South Mada Street, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

9. SIVANRAJ N. 14, Anna Nagar, Kovilpatti 628 501, Thoothukudi District.

10. SEEVALRAJ K. 4/38, South Street,Vilamarathupatti, Vembakottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

11. SEENIVASAN K. 2/37, South Street, Subramaniapuram, Virudhunagar District.

12. SEENIVASAN P. 2/71, Keela Street, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai taluk 626131, Virudhunagar District.

13. SEENIVASAN M 157, West Street, Sadayampatti, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

14. SEENIVASAN R. 146/196, Mariyamman Kovil Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

15. SUBRAMANIAN K. 39, Theradi Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

16. SUBIRAMANIAN K. 69A, Subramaniasamy kovil street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

17. SUBRAMANIAN S.G. 1/9, Mela Street, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

18. SUBIRAMANIAN S. 152/75, Ramalingapuram, Thayilpatti, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

19. SUBRAMANIAN R. 33, N.R.Bhavanam, Muslim Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

20. SUPPIRAMANIYAN R. 281, Devar Street, Sankarapandiyapuram, Samusigapuram, Virudhunagar District.

21. SEVUGAN V. 203, New Street, Sivakasi 626 189, Virudhunagar District.

22. DHARMALINGAM K. 30, Samathuvapuram, Sammandapuram, Melapattam Karisalkulam, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

23. BOSE PANDIAN C. 44, Perumal Kovil North Mada Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

24. MANMATHAN M. 2/170, South Street, Nakkaneri, Ayankollankondan Post, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

25. MARIKANNAN R. 264, Anna Nagar, Sattur 626203, Virudhunagar District.

26. MUNIASAMY P. 2/111, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai Taluk– 626 131, Virudhunagar District.

27. RAJA S. 42, Bye Pass Road, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

28. VISHWANATH R. 27, Vellakarai Road, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

29. JEYARAJ T. 182A/3, Cholapuram Keelur, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

30. A.KALIMUTHU Returning Officer, 204–Sattur Assembly Constituency and Revenue Divisional Officer, Sattur

31. A.SIVAGANAM, IAS., District Electoral Officer/ District Collector, O/o.District Collectorate, Virudhunagar District.

32. THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER State of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009

33. THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110 001.

..Respondents This Election Petition praying that this Hon'ble court be pleased to (i) pass an order to count all paper slips of VVPAT units based on the polling day dated 18.04.2019 of 283 polling stations of No.204, Sattur Assembly Constituency by-election. (ii) Declare the result of the counting of all paper slips of VVPAT units used on the poling day dated 18.04.2019 of 283 polling stations of No.204, Sattur Assembly Constituency by-election. (iii) Declare, declaring the election of the 1st respondent as returned candidate on 23.05.2019 from No.204, Sattur Assembly Constituency as null and void (iv) Declare the petitioner as returned candidate No.204, Sattur Assembly Constituency (v) Award the costs of this petition.

O.A.NO.942  TO  945  OF  2019:-

1. A.KALIMUTHU Returning Officer, 204–Sattur Assembly Constituency and Revenue Divisional Officer, Sattur

2. A.SIVAGANAM, IAS., District Electoral Officer/ District Collector, O/o.District Collectorate, Virudhunagar District.

3. THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER State of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009

4. THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110 001. ….Applicants/30th to 33rd

Respondents

-Vs-

1. SRINIVASAN.V. 1/98, Kosukundu Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

2. RAJAVARMAN M.S.R 1/67, South Street, Mullikulam, Malli Post, Srivilliputhur Taluk–626 141 Virudhunagar District.

3. SUNDARARAJ N. 1/19A, North Street, K.Vengateshwarapuram Post, Kalugumalai (via) Kovilpatti Taluk 628 552, Thoothukudi District.

4. SUBBARAJ S. 88/8A, D.D.Road, N.G.O.Colony, Srivilliputhur 626 125 Virudhunagar District.

5. SURESH KUMAR P. 55/13c/2a, Sukkiravarpatti Road, Muthumari Nagar, Thiruthangal, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

6. ANANTHARAJ.I. 2/156, Ward 1, Samiyar Colony, Kathalampatti Panchayat, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

7. ESAKKI MUTHU A. 38, Sundaranandha, Bajanaimada East Street, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

8. RAJENDRAN G. 1/143, Vanigavaisiyar Street, S.Ramalingapuram 626 102, Rajapalayam Taluk.

9. SANKAR R. 47, Perumalkovil South Mada Street, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

10. SIVANRAJ N. 14, Anna Nagar, Kovilpatti 628 501, Thoothukudi District.

11. SEEVALRAJ K. 4/38, South Street,Vilamarathupatti, Vembakottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

12. SEENIVASAN K. 2/37, South Street, Subramaniapuram, Virudhunagar District.

13. SEENIVASAN P. 2/71, Keela Street, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai Taluk 626131, Virudhunagar District.

14. SEENIVASAN M 157, West Street, Sadayampatti, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

15. SEENIVASAN R. 146/196, Mariyamman Kovil Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

16. SUBRAMANIAN K. 39, Theradi Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

17. SUBIRAMANIAN K. 69A, Subramaniasamy kovil street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

18. SUBRAMANIAN S.G. 1/9, Mela Street, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

19. SUBIRAMANIAN S. 152/75, Ramalingapuram, Thayilpatti, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

20. SUBRAMANIAN R. 33, N.R.Bhavanam, Muslim Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

21. SUPPIRAMANIYAN R. 281, Devar Street, Sankarapandiyapuram, Samusigapuram, Virudhunagar District.

22. SEVUGAN V. 203, New Street, Sivakasi 626 189, Virudhunagar District.

23. DHARMALINGAM K. 30, Samathuvapuram, Sammandapuram, Melapattam Karisalkulam, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

24. BOSE PANDIAN C. 44, Perumal Kovil North Mada Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

25. MANMATHAN M. 2/170, South Street, Nakkaneri, Ayankollankondan Post, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

26. MARIKANNAN R. 264, Anna Nagar, Sattur 626203, Virudhunagar District.

27. MUNIASAMY P. 2/111, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai Taluk– 626 131, Virudhunagar District.

28. RAJA S. 42, Bye Pass Road, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

29. VISHWANATH R. 27, Vellakarai Road, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

30. JEYARAJ T. 182A/3, Cholapuram Keelur, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District. …Respondents OA.NO.942  OF  2019:-

This Application praying that this Hon'ble Court be pleased to strike off the 30th Respondent as a respondent in the above Election Petition.

OA.NO.943  OF  2019:-

This Application praying that this Hon'ble Court be pleased to strike off the 31st Respondent as a respondent in the above Election Petition.

O.A.NO.944  OF  2019:-

This Application praying that this Hon'ble Court be pleased to strike off the 32nd Respondent as a respondent in the above Election Petition.

O.A.NO.945  OF  2019:-

This Application praying that this Hon'ble Court be pleased to strike off the 33rd Respondent as a respondent in the above Election Petition.

O.A.NO.1098  AND  1099  OF  2019:-

RAJAVARMAN M.S.R 1/67, South Street, Mullikulam, Malli Post, Srivilliputhur Taluk–626 141 Virudhunagar District.

…Applicant/1st Respondent 1. SRINIVASAN.V. 1/98, Kosukundu Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District. …1st Respondent/Election Petitioner 2. SUNDARARAJ N. 1/19A, North Street, K.Vengateshwarapuram Post, Kalugumalai (via) Kovilpatti Taluk 628 552, Thoothukudi District.

3. SUBBARAJ S. 88/8A, D.D.Road, N.G.O.Colony, Srivilliputhur 626 125 Virudhunagar District.

4. SURESH KUMAR P. 55/13c/2a, Sukkiravarpatti Road, Muthumari Nagar, Thiruthangal, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

5. ANANTHARAJ.I. 2/156, Ward 1, Samiyar Colony, Kathalampatti Panchayat, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

6. ESAKKI MUTHU A. 38, Sundaranandha, Bajanaimada East Street, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

7. RAJENDRAN G. 1/143, Vanigavaisiyar Street, S.Ramalingapuram 626 102, Rajapalayam Taluk.

8. SANKAR R. 47, Perumalkovil South Mada Street, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

9. SIVANRAJ N. 14, Anna Nagar, Kovilpatti 628 501, Thoothukudi District.

10. SEEVALRAJ K. 4/38, South Street,Vilamarathupatti, Vembakottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

11. SEENIVASAN K. 2/37, South Street, Subramaniapuram, Virudhunagar District.

12. SEENIVASAN P. 2/71, Keela Street, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai taluk 626131.

13. SEENIVASAN M 157, West Street, Sadayampatti, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

14. SEENIVASAN R. 146/196, Mariyamman Kovil Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

15. SUBRAMANIAN K. 39, Theradi Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

16. SUBIRAMANIAN K. 69A, Subramaniasamy kovil street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

17. SUBRAMANIAN S.G. 1/9, Mela Street, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

18. SUBIRAMANIAN S. 152/75, Ramalingapuram, Thayilpatti, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

19. SUBRAMANIAN R. 33, N.R.Bhavanam, Muslim Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

20. SUPPIRAMANIYAN R. 281, Devar Street, Sankarapandiyapuram, Samusigapuram, Virudhunagar District.

21. SEVUGAN V. 203, New Street, Sivakasi 626 189, Virudhunagar District.

22. DHARMALINGAM K. 30, Samathuvapuram, Sammandapuram, Melapattam Karisalkulam, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

23. BOSE PANDIAN C. 44, Perumal Kovil North Mada Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

24. MANMATHAN M. 2/170, South Street, Nakkaneri, Ayankollankondan Post, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

25. MARIKANNAN R. 264, Anna Nagar, Sattur 626203, Virudhunagar District.

26. MUNIASAMY P. 2/111, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai Taluk– 626 131, Virudhunagar District.

27. RAJA S. 42, Bye Pass Road, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

28. VISHWANATH R. 27, Vellakarai Road, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

29. JEYARAJ T. 182A/3, Cholapuram Keelur, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

30. A.KALIMUTHU Returning Officer, 204–Sattur Assembly Constituency and Revenue Divisional Officer, Sattur

31. A.SIVAGANAM, IAS., District Electoral Officer/ District Collector, O/o.District Collectorate, Virudhunagar District.

32. THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER State of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009

33. THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110 001. ...Respondents 2-33/Respondents OA.NO.1098  OF  2019:-

This Original Application praying that this Hon'ble Court be pleased to strike out the pleadings in Paragraphs 4,7 to 18 and 20 to 33 of the Election Petition.

O.A.NO.1099  OF  2019:-

This Original Application praying that this Hon'ble Court be pleased to reject the Election Petition as not maintainable.

O.A.NO.242  OF  2024:-

SRINIVASAN.V. 1/98, Kosukundu Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District. … Applicant/Petitioner

-Vs-

1. RAJAVARMAN M.S.R 1/67, South Street, Mullikulam, Malli Post, Srivilliputhur Taluk–626 141 Virudhunagar District.

2. SUNDARARAJ N. 1/19A, North Street, K.Vengateshwarapuram Post, Kalugumalai (via) Kovilpatti Taluk 628 552, Thoothukudi District.

3. SUBBARAJ S. 88/8A, D.D.Road, N.G.O.Colony, Srivilliputhur 626 125 Virudhunagar District.

4. SURESH KUMAR P. 55/13c/2a, Sukkiravarpatti Road, Muthumari Nagar, Thiruthangal, Sivakasi Taluk,Virudhunagar District.

5. ANANTHARAJ.I. 2/156, Ward 1, Samiyar Colony, Kathalampatti Panchayat, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

6. ESAKKI MUTHU A. 38, Sundaranandha, Bajanaimada East Street, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

7. RAJENDRAN G. 1/143, Vanigavaisiyar Street, S.Ramalingapuram 626 102, Rajapalayam Taluk.

8. SANKAR R. 47, Perumalkovil South Mada Street, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

9. SIVANRAJ N. 14, Anna Nagar, Kovilpatti 628 501, Thoothukudi District.

10. SEEVALRAJ K. 4/38, South Street,Vilamarathupatti, Vembakottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

11. SEENIVASAN K. 2/37, South Street, Subramaniapuram, Virudhunagar District.

12. SEENIVASAN P. 2/71, Keela Street, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai taluk 626131.

13. SEENIVASAN M 157, West Street, Sadayampatti, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

14. SEENIVASAN R. 146/196, Mariyamman Kovil Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

15. SUBRAMANIAN K. 39, Theradi Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

16. SUBIRAMANIAN K. 69A, Subramaniasamy kovil street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

17. SUBRAMANIAN S.G. 1/9, Mela Street, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

18. SUBIRAMANIAN S. 152/75, Ramalingapuram, Thayilpatti, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

19. SUBRAMANIAN R. 33, N.R.Bhavanam, Muslim Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

20. SUPPIRAMANIYAN R. 281, Devar Street, Sankarapandiyapuram, Samusigapuram, Virudhunagar District.

21. SEVUGAN V. 203, New Street, Sivakasi 626 189, Virudhunagar District.

22. DHARMALINGAM K. 30, Samathuvapuram, Sammandapuram, Melapattam Karisalkulam, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

23. BOSE PANDIAN C. 44, Perumal Kovil North Mada Street, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

24. MANMATHAN M. 2/170, South Street, Nakkaneri, Ayankollankondan Post, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

25. MARIKANNAN R. 264, Anna Nagar, Sattur 626203, Virudhunagar District.

26. MUNIASAMY P. 2/111, Ethirkottai, Vembakottai Taluk– 626 131, Virudhunagar District.

27. RAJA S. 42, Bye Pass Road, Sattur 626 203, Virudhunagar District.

28. VISHWANATH R. 27, Vellakarai Road, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

29. JEYARAJ T. 182A/3, Cholapuram Keelur, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

30. A.KALIMUTHU Returning Officer, 204–Sattur Assembly Constituency and Revenue Divisional Officer, Sattur

31. A.SIVAGANAM, IAS., District Electoral Officer/ District Collector, O/o.District Collectorate, Virudhunagar District.

32. THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER State of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009

33. THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110 001.

...Respondents /Respondents This Original Application praying that this Hon'ble Court be pleased to permit the petitioner to withdraw the ELP.No.1 of 2019 on the file of this Hon'ble Court.

The above Election Petition coming on this day before this Court for hearing in the presence of M/s.N.Naganathan, advocate for the Election Petitioner, Mr.P.Ramachandran, for Respondent No.1, Mr.P.Gopinath for Respondent No.11, Mr.C.Saravanan, for Respondent No.13, Mr.A.Mohammed Iqbal, for Respondent No.15, Mr.M.Paul Raj, for Respondent No.14, Mr.K.Manikandan, for Respondent No.16, Mr.R.Ganesan, for Respondent No.18, Mr.B.Pavalavannan, for Respondent No.19 Mr.R.Rekha, for Respondent No.20, M/s.G.R.Associates, Mr.Niranjan Rajagopalan, for Respondent R30 to R33, and upon reading the Election Petition 1 of 2019 and Judges Summon and Affidavit of Original Applications Nos. 942, 943, 944, 945, 1098, 1099 of 2019 and 242 of 2024 filed herein and this court having observed that to deal with this Election Petition on merits at this point of time only be an academing exercise and nothing fruitful will be achieved by any party.

it  is  ordered  as  follows:-

i. that the Election Petition No.1 of 2019 be and is hereby closed.

ii. That the Original Applications Nos. 942 to 945, 1098 and 1099 of 2019, 242 of 2024 be and are hereby closed.

W I T N E S S , T H E H O N ' B L E M R . J U S T I C E S U S H R U T A RV I N D DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE HIGH COURT AT MADRAS AFORESAID, THIS THE 01ST DAYOF JULY 2026.

Sd./-

Assistant Registrar Original Side –II

//Certified to be true copy//

Dated at Madras this the 15th day of July 2026.

Sd./-

COURT OFFICER(O.S)16 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY 'Madras High Court is issuing certified copies in this format from 17/07/2023'.

SR

13/07/2026

ELP.No.1 OF 2019

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE N. ANAND VENKATESH

DECREE DATED: 01/07/2026 FOR APPROVAL: 14/07/2026 APPROVED ON : 15/07/2026

Copy to:

1. A.Kalimuthu The Returning Officer 204-Sattur Assembly Constituency and Revenue Divisional Officer, Sattur.

2. Election Commission of India Nirvachan Sadan, No.1, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001

3. The Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu Public (Elections) Department, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.

(By Order)

Lata Tripathi Secretary, Election Commission of India.

Secretariat, ARCHANA PATNAIK, Chennai-600 009, Chief Electoral Officer and 21st August, 2026. Principal Secretary to Government.

//True Copy//

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF STATIONERY AND PRINTING, CHENNAI ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU