Setback For OPS, Madras High Court Rejects Plea Seeking Stay On AIADMK Polls

Madras High Court Justice K Kumaresh Babu rejected interim applications filed by O Paneerselvam.

A single-judge bench of Madras High Court heard the case on Tuesday (File Photo)

The Madras High Court rejected the interim application seeking a stay on AIADMK general secretary polls on Tuesday. The petition was moved by O Panneerselvam.

According to ANI, "Madras High Court Justice K Kumaresh Babu rejects interim applications filed by O Paneerselvam and his supporters seeking stay on AIADMK general secretary polls."

Madras High Court Justice K Kumaresh Babu rejects interim applications filed by O Paneer Selvam and his supporters seeking stay on AIADMK general secretary polls. pic.twitter.com/QgKifg32RU

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2023

The single bench also dismissed the pleas moved by OPS and his supporters against the AIADMK general council meeting held on July 11, 2022. In the meeting, EPS was announced as the interim general secretary of AIADMK.

Earlier, OPS faction argued that OPS, who is the deputy leader of the Opposition, was removed from AIADMK without following any due procedures. They also said that the July 11 meeting was highhanded by EPS and his supporters. They added that OPS will also contest the elections if the primary members elected the general secretary.

AIADMK advocate S Inbadurai, as per PTI, said, "Panneerselvam (and others) filed a plea against the July 11, 2022 resolutions. It has been rejected. This means the general council is valid, its resolutions are valid." 

He recalled that the party had earlier given an undertaking to the court that it will not publish the results of organisational polls held recently, referring to the election to the post of general secretary and said it is now evident Palaniswami is going to be elevated to the highest seat in the decades-old organisation.

Meanwhile, Edappadi Palaniswami was elected as general secretary of AIADMK after the verdict. 

AIADMK members Natham R Viswanathan and Pollachi V Jayaraman handed over the elected certificate to Palaniswami at party headquarters in Royapettah. 

After his election, party members burst out into celebrations.