Madras HC issues notice on TN Minister's plea

Chennai

The Madras High Court on Monday issued notices to the police regarding petitions filed by DMK leader and Kerala Minister R S Rajakannappan. The petitions sought to quash cases against him for allegedly violating the Election code of conduct during the 2021 Assembly elections. Justice P Velmurugan directed that notices be served within three weeks to the police stations in Pedraiyur (Ramanathapuram) and Salai Gramam (Sivaganga), as well as the Assistant Director of Horticulture in Ramanathapuram.

The case will be heard again on February 17. Rajakannappan, the Kerala Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, argued that the allegations against him were unfounded. The charges stem from a March 27, 2021, incident where, at his instruction, a party flag was allegedly placed in the Karungulam and Kollipatthi villages and election propaganda was conducted in violation of the Election code. Additionally, a complaint from the Village Administrative Officer in Sivaganga accused Rajakannappan of violating the code during his campaign, with 15 vehicles following him and fireworks being burst.

Rajakannappan contended that the cases were time-barred and that the charges were baseless. He further argued that the allegations against him did not justify legal action.