CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to file its counter-affidavit within three weeks in response to the petition filed by PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss, challenging the letter issued by the Commission allotting the ‘Mango’ symbol to Anbumani Ramadoss faction.
At a time when an internal dispute is ongoing between PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss and party founder Dr. Ramadoss over leadership and control of the party, the Election Commission had addressed a letter to Anbumani’s authorised agent stating that the ‘Mango’ symbol had been allotted to the party.
Aggrieved by the same, Dr. Ramadoss has approached the Madras High Court seeking to quash the said letter and for a consequential direction to the Election Commission to issue the symbol-related communication to his authorised agent instead.
In the petition, it has been alleged that although Anbumani Ramadoss’ term as party president had expired in May 2025, he had submitted forged documents before the Election Commission claiming continuation in the post.
It has further been contended that Anbumani Ramadoss cannot claim any right over the party by illegally convening party meetings without the approval or consent of the party founder.
Additionally, the petitioner has pointed out that before the Delhi High Court, the Election Commission had given an assurance that the ‘Mango’ symbol would be frozen and not allotted to any faction. However, the symbol has not been frozen so far, contrary to the said assurance.
The matter came up for hearing before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan. The Chief Justice directed the Election Commission of India to file its counter affidavit within three weeks.
Meanwhile, counsel for Anbumani Ramadoss sought to implead him as a party to the proceedings. However, the Bench declined the request.