Madras HC validates Nadigar Sangam elections, orders to open ballot box for counting

A Division Bench of Madras High Court on Monday passed orders holding that the elections held for South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA) - Then India Nadigar Sangam in 2019 is valid and the counting of votes could be done by breaking the sealed ballot boxes.

The bench comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq passed the verdict by setting aside the single judge’s order dated January 24, 2020, that quashed the election and appointed a retired judge as an election officer for fresh elections within three months. The single judge passed the orders on a plea by actors Ezhumalai and Benjamin.

Therefore, SIAA office bearers, including actor Vishal Krishna, Nasser and others have challenged the single judge’s order before the division bench.

“The elections held on July 23, 2019, is valid. The sealed ballot boxes which are kept in the bank locker can be opened under the supervision of the election officer and the votes could be counted within four weeks,” the bench observed.

However, the original petitioners prayed to pass an interim stay to announce results citing that they are will appeal against the division bench’s order. They submitted their right to cast their votes were denied in the 2019 election.

On recording the submissions, the bench restrained the election officer not to declaring the results for three weeks.

On October 26, 2021, the division bench had reserved orders on this appeal petition by the SIAA allowing the officer appointed by the state government to take care of the day to day affairs of the association.