Madurai District Collector K J Praveen Kumar has initiated a search for new locations to host vote counting centres for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. This move comes in direct response to a 2024 order from the Madras High Court, which directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to stop using the Madurai Medical College (MMC) as a counting venue.
Court Order Spurs Inspection Drive
The High Court's directive was issued while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by members of the MMC Student Council. The petitioners argued that using the college and its connected Government Rajaji Hospital campus for election purposes caused major disruptions for over a month. The court agreed, noting that the arrangement adversely affected regular academic and hospital functions.
The PIL highlighted that seminars, workshops, and classes were frequently cancelled due to tightened security and the occupation of rooms for Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) storage and counting. Furthermore, the functioning of hospital laboratories located on the MMC campus was hampered, creating additional difficulties for doctors treating patients during the election period.
Comprehensive Facility Assessment Underway
To comply with the court order, Collector Praveen Kumar led an extensive inspection tour of several educational institutions across the district. The goal was to identify a suitable alternate location that could meet the stringent requirements of a counting centre.
The inspection team assessed multiple facilities, including:
- Agriculture College and Research Institute in Othakadai
- Government Arts and Science College in Thirumangalam
- Anna University Regional Campus in Keelakuyilkudi
- Thiagarajar College of Engineering in Thiruparankundram
- Madura College
- Government Polytechnic College in Madurai district
Key Infrastructure Requirements Checked
The collector's evaluation was thorough and focused on specific electoral needs. He examined the availability of separate counting halls for each assembly constituency within the district. The team also looked for secure, dedicated storage rooms for EVMs and a separate space for storing postal ballots.
Officials also verified the provision of office space for election observers and returning officers, along with basic amenities like water, sanitation, and power supply at the potential sites. A critical part of the inspection involved reviewing logistics for the safe transport of EVMs to the counting centres after voting concludes. The team ensured that vehicle movement in and out of the campuses would be smooth and secure.
The inspection was a coordinated effort involving key district officials. Madurai City Commissioner of Police J Loganathan and District Superintendent of Police B K Arvind were present to assess security arrangements. Senior officers from the revenue and public works departments also joined the survey to provide technical and administrative inputs.
This proactive search underscores the administration's commitment to implementing the judiciary's order while ensuring the electoral process for the 2026 assembly polls is conducted efficiently and without disrupting crucial educational and healthcare services in Madurai.
