PMK Founder S Ramadoss Moves Madras High Court Over Mango Symbol Dispute
In a significant political development, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss has approached the Madras High Court challenging a communication issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The contentious communication allotted the party's iconic 'mango' symbol to the faction led by his son, Anbumani Ramadoss. The petition seeks judicial intervention to direct the ECI to issue fresh communication, recognizing S Ramadoss as the legitimate president of PMK for the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Legal Battle Over Party Leadership and Symbol
The first bench, comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, is scheduled to hear this politically charged petition on February 2. At the heart of the dispute lies the leadership of PMK, with S Ramadoss asserting his rightful claim over the party's presidency and its electoral symbol.
According to the petitioner's submission, Anbumani Ramadoss was appointed as the party president for a fixed three-year term, spanning from May 28, 2022, to May 2025. This appointment was formally communicated to the ECI through a general body meeting. The petitioner emphasized that the party's constitution explicitly limits the tenure to three years, with no provision for any extension beyond this period.
Allegations of Forged Documents and Misrepresentation
The petition alleges that after the expiry of Anbumani's legitimate tenure, certain unauthorized and forged documents were created and submitted to the ECI. These documents falsely claimed that a general body meeting was convened on August 31, 2023, extending the tenure of office-bearers under Anbumani's leadership first until February 23, 2026, and subsequently until August 1, 2026.
The petitioner categorically denies that any valid general body meeting took place on the stated dates. Furthermore, it is contended that the PMK constitution does not permit any extension of tenure, whether for 36 days or any interim period. The ECI, according to the petition, was allegedly misled into issuing communications based on these fabricated documents.
ECI's Communication and Alleged Irregularities
The petitioner highlights a specific communication dated July 30, 2025, issued by the ECI, which allotted the 'mango' symbol to PMK for the Bihar 2025, Tamil Nadu 2026, and Puducherry 2026 elections. However, this communication was sent to an incorrect address, directed to Anbumani rather than the official party address under S Ramadoss's leadership at No 63, Nattu Muthu Naickan Street, Vanniya Teynampet, Chennai.
This incorrect addressing has reportedly caused significant confusion regarding party leadership and symbol allotment. The petitioner argues that the communication dated July 30, 2025, is therefore illegal and arbitrary, as it fails to recognize the legitimate leadership and violates procedural norms.
The outcome of this legal battle could have profound implications for PMK's electoral prospects and internal dynamics, as the party prepares for crucial state elections. The Madras High Court's decision will be closely watched by political observers and stakeholders across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
