Actor-Politician Vijay and TVK Face Legal Action for Alleged Model Code Breaches
In a significant development ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, actor-turned-politician Vijay and members of his political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), have been formally booked by police for alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). According to official sources speaking to PTI on Tuesday, the Peravallur police registered cases against them under multiple provisions of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Legal Charges and Specific Allegations
The police action stems from complaints regarding Vijay's campaign activities in the city. Authorities have invoked Section 126(2) of the BNS, which pertains to obstruction of public proceedings, along with Section 189(2) and other relevant clauses. The core allegations center on two primary issues that reportedly occurred during the campaign event.
First, police officials stated that TVK party cadres assembled at the venue before the time permitted by election authorities, leading to public inconvenience and potential security concerns. Second, and perhaps more notably, officials flagged the use of approximately 30 sound systems during a roadshow, alleging that this excessive audio amplification caused significant disturbance to residents and severely disrupted traffic movement in the surrounding area.
Electoral Context and Vijay's Political Debut
This legal action comes at a crucial juncture as Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is making its electoral debut in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The actor-politician recently launched his campaign from Perambur, which is one of the two constituencies he is contesting, the other being Tiruchirappalli East. The timing of these charges, just ahead of the April 23 polls, adds considerable political weight to the situation.
The enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct is a standard procedure during election periods, designed to ensure fair play and maintain public order. However, the specific application of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions in this case marks a notable instance of its use in electoral matters since its implementation.
Police sources emphasized that the registration of cases follows thorough verification of complaints and on-ground assessments. The development underscores the heightened scrutiny on campaign activities as Tamil Nadu prepares for a closely watched electoral battle, with new entrants like TVK seeking to establish their presence against established political forces.
