The Madras High Court has cleared the way for by-elections in Perundurai and Ambasamudram constituencies in Tamil Nadu by rejecting an election petition related to Perundurai and dismissing a plea seeking to declare the runner-up in Ambasamudram as the winner.
Justice P.B. Balaji ruled that V.P. Durai, who lost the Ambasamudram election by 10,245 votes, cannot be declared the winner in place of the elected candidate. The court observed that when an election is challenged and the existing result cannot stand, a fresh election is required when multiple candidates had contested.
The judge also stressed that prolonged delays in conducting fresh elections can affect the democratic process by leaving voters without elected representation.
The ruling is significant because the two constituencies had been affected by legal proceedings that had delayed the bypoll process. Following the court’s decision, the Election Commission can proceed with preparations for elections in Perundurai and Ambasamudram.
Earlier, the High Court had stayed by-elections in five constituencies, including Tiruchi East, Viralimalai, Karur and Perundurai, because of pending election petitions. Following Justice Balaji’s ruling, Perundurai and Ambasamudram were sought to be excluded from the scope of the stay.
The court also heard arguments from several parties, including the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Proceedings concerning the remaining constituencies are still pending, with the court yet to issue its final decision on those cases.