Court Order Delays By-elections in Five Constituencies
The Madras High Court on Friday stayed the by-elections in five Tamil Nadu assembly constituencies until July 31, providing a temporary reprieve to the ruling DMK and its allies. The order came on a petition challenging the resignations of the AIADMK MLAs who later joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Background of the Case
The five constituencies—Vikravandi, Nanguneri, Thiruparankundram, Andipatti, and Srivaikuntam—fell vacant after AIADMK MLAs resigned from the assembly in May 2026. The resignations were accepted by the Speaker, triggering by-elections scheduled for July 2026. However, the DMK moved the high court, arguing that the resignations were not voluntary but were coerced by the TVK leadership.
Justice S. Vaidyanathan, while hearing the plea, observed that the resignations appeared to have been submitted under duress. The court directed the Election Commission of India not to proceed with the by-election process until July 31, 2026, and issued notices to the former MLAs and the TVK.
Political Implications
The stay is a significant setback for the AIADMK rebels who had joined the TVK, a party floated by actor-turned-politician Vijay. The TVK had hoped to gain a foothold in the assembly through these by-elections. Political analyst R. S. Rajan said, "The court's intervention has stalled the TVK's momentum. The DMK has successfully bought time to consolidate its position."
According to sources, the DMK government had been under pressure from its allies to prevent the by-elections, fearing that the TVK could win several seats and alter the balance of power in the assembly. The DMK currently holds 133 seats in the 234-member house, while the AIADMK has 66 seats. The TVK has no representation yet.
Legal Arguments
Senior counsel for the DMK, P. Wilson, argued that the resignations were a "pre-planned conspiracy" to destabilize the government. He submitted that the MLAs were promised ministerial berths and other perks by the TVK. The court noted that the resignations were submitted en masse within a span of 48 hours, raising doubts about their voluntariness.
Responding for the former MLAs, senior counsel Vijay Narayan contended that the resignations were genuine and that the MLAs had exercised their democratic right. The court, however, was not convinced and directed the Election Commission to maintain status quo.
Next Hearing
The matter has been posted for further hearing on July 31, 2026. Until then, the by-elections remain stayed. The Election Commission is expected to file its response by then. The DMK has welcomed the order, while the TVK has expressed disappointment and said it will challenge the stay in a higher court.
