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 S Ramadoss, challenging the letter issued by the poll panel allotting the 'Mango' symbol to Anbumani Ramadoss faction.
Aggrieved over the EC's action, Ramadoss has approached the High Court seeking to quash the said letter and for a consequential direction to the poll body to issue the symbol-related communication to his authorised agent instead.
In the petition, Ramadoss has claimed that, although Anbumani Ramadoss' term as party president had expired in May 2025, he submitted forged documents to the Election Commission claiming to continue 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 MM 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 appearing for Anbumani Ramadoss sought to implead him as a party to the proceedings. However, the Bench refused the request.