‘Two Leaves’ case: Delhi HC to deliver verdict before Aug 15

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, who is facing allegations of irregularities in awarding of contracts in PWD and Highways department, will suffer a major setback if the court quashes the Election Commission of India’s order allocating the symbol to AIADMK presidium chairman E Madhusudhanan and treasurer O Panneerselvam.

Freezing of the party symbol just ahead of the General election would be a huge blow for the ruling party if it fails to get an immediate stay in the Supreme Court.

The Delhi High Court is hearing an appeal by AMMK deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran against the allotment of ‘Two Leaves’ symbol to the ruling party. The arguments of Dhinakaran’s lawyers as well as those of the ruling party had been completed.

The submission of former minister S Semmalai, also with the ruling AIADMK, is nearing completion and the verdict is likely to be reserved once his arguments are completed. The aggrieved party is certain to approach the Supreme Court against any judgment and the dispute is likely to be settled only at the apex court.

Though the Supreme Court had ordered the completion of the case by April 30 this year, it was dragged due to elaborate arguments by both parties.

Two set of documents claiming the support of general council members was submitted by both the parties before the Election Commission. While one concerns the nomination of Sasikala as the AIADMK general secretary in a general council meeting, the second set of documents were handed over to the commission after the merger of the two factions led by Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam.

If the validity of the first set of documents in support of Sasikala’s nomination is upheld, she would return as the party head and Dhinakaran as her deputy. If the second set of signatures of general council members is declared to be valid party’s reins will go to Madhusudhanan and Panneerselvam.

However, Dhinakaran’s lawyer Raja Sendhur Pandian said the third option of the court asking the Election Commission to examine the case again to verify the support of general council members is highly probable.