The Madras High Court has refused to dismiss an election petition challenging Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin’s victory from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly constituency in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Justice G Arul Murugan dismissed Stalin’s preliminary applications seeking rejection of the petition filed by independent candidate P Milany. The Court directed Stalin to file his counter affidavit within four weeks.
Milany challenged Stalin’s election, raising allegations concerning his nomination papers and election affidavit. He had earlier approached the High Court seeking access to election-related documents from the Election Commission.
Stalin subsequently sought rejection of the election petition, arguing that it had been filed beyond the statutory 45-day limitation period prescribed under election law.
Milany, however, maintained that the petition was filed within the prescribed period after obtaining the necessary election records.
After considering the preliminary applications, Justice Arul Murugan declined to reject the election petition at the threshold.
The Court directed Udhayanidhi Stalin to submit his response within four weeks. It also clarified that its observations were limited to deciding the preliminary applications and would not determine the merits of the election dispute.
The High Court's decision allows the election petition to proceed for further consideration.
Detailed Order of Copy is Awaited
