Can’t extend tenure by GB resolution, says High Court

Justice K Kalyanasundaram cited the clauses of the association’s bylaws that provides for the conduct of the election of the office-bearers once in three years, and said the tenure of the incumbents had ended on October 18, 2018.

“Even the petitioner Association has not conducted the election within the extended period of six months,” the judge said. Appointing Justice B Gokuldas (retd) as election officer, Justice Kalyanasundram said his decision would be final regarding issues related to the election.

The court dismissed the plea moved by the current office-bearers Vishal, Karthi and Nassar challenging the appointment of PV Geetha, Assistant Inspector General of Registration as special officer to administer day-today affairs of the association. The special officer would continue to discharge her duties till the declaration of results and the new office-bearers assumed office, Justice Kalyanasundaram added.

The Registrar of Societies had temporarily called off the Nadigar Sangam polls just days before it was scheduled, based on a complaint by some of the members that their names were removed from the voters’ list. However, the High Court allowed the elections to proceed, but had deferred the counting until further orders.

The present office-bearers Nasser, Vishal and Karthi are pitted against the group led by actor-director Bhagyaraj, Udhaya and Kutty Padmini. The election is being held to elect a president, two vice-presidents, a general secretary and a 24-member executive committee.