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- ORDER PASSED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER Sub.: Verbatim complaints from various candidates – Issues on Counting of votes from Tirupur District – Requesting for stopping of counting & ordering overall repolling – Reg.
- ORDER PASSED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER Sub.: Verbatim complaints from various candidates – Issues on Counting of votes from Tirupur District – Requesting for stopping of counting & ordering overall repolling – Reg. Ref: 1. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by Mr.S.Selvakumar (Serial.No. 106) 2. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by J.Chezhian (Sl. No. 20) 3. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by Angalaparameswari (Sl. No. 7) 4. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by N.Sreeradha (Sl. No. 119) 5. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by Vetrivel.S.M(Serial No. 138) 6. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by U.Indumathi (Serial No. 36) 7. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by Haritha (Serial No. 34) 8. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by P.Thomas Barnabas (Sl. No. 132) 9. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by R.Rajesh (Sl. No. 88) ———– Similar verbatim letters dated 20.04.2026 are given as referred to above, regarding counting of votes pertaining to the Tirupur District ballot boxes from 17.04.2026. The counting for Tiruppur commenced from 15.04.2026 by segregating the various booths of Tiruppur District and accounting the ballot papers. The counting continued on 16.04.2026 and 17.04.2026. Towards the end of counting on 17.04.2026 concerns were raised about the excess of ballot papers. Considering the request of the candidates/agents present, the counting was deffered to address the issues. The Returning Officer with the counting team had examined all the concerns, queries, and allegations raised in relation to the counting of votes of Tirupur District. On a detailed verification and examination of the facts, the issue was addressed and a proper explanation was provided by the District Observer, Booth Observer being personally present on the commencement of the counting on 20.04.2026. The letters of the complainants have alleged that during the counting process in Tiruppur and Perambalur Districts, the number of votes increased to 49 and referred specifically to the video timestamp (08:24:46), wherein two ballot papers—one polled and one unpolled—appeared to bear similar serial numbers (64983 and 064893). There is no issue relating to Perambalur which had been completed and issue was only with Tiruppur District and the detailed reconciliation of the Tiruppur Polling Booth is as follows: • Total Ballots Sent (Initial Count): 1254 • Total Votes Polled: 1099 • Total Counterfoils: 1099 • Total Voters Signed in Register: 1099 • Total QR Slips Scanned: 1099 • Total Unused Ballot Sheets: 198 • Total Cancelled Ballots: 2 • Ballots Kept for Display/Verification: 2 Upon reconciliation, it is observed that ballot sheets serial numbers were inadvertently printed twice and those had been identified and were kept separately along with unused ballot sheets. These sheets were identified as unused ballots containing double-numbered sheets. On account of such duplicate serial numbers on the ballot papers the total count of ballots sent was increased to 1301, however genuine voters have cast the vote and the same is available in the ballot box and tallied with all available records. The ballot papers referred to in your complaint fall within this category of double-numbered unused ballot sheets. These ballots were not issued to voters, remained unused, and were segregated during counting. Hence, the presence of similar or overlapping serial numbers does not indicate any irregularity in the voting process. With respect to the allegation that certain ballot papers did not bear hologram symbols, the same was examined. It is clarified that no such discrepancy affecting the integrity of polled ballots has been established. To make things clear the hologram is only affixed and not printed and is only an additional security feature with the ballot being printed on watermark paper. All valid ballots counted were duly verified as per prescribed norms. Based on the above reconciliation and verification, it is found that there is no discrepancy in the number of votes polled. All figures (votes polled, counterfoils, voter’s register entries, and QR scans) are fully consistent. The additional ballot sheets with Counterfoils of the duplicate serial number identified are unused and do not form part of the voting count. The entire voting process in the Tiruppur Booth has been video graphed. Therefore, it is conclusively established that no malpractice, misuse of ballot papers, or irregularity in the voting or counting process has occurred. In view of the above findings, The allegation being not substantiated by any evidence, the request to stop the counting process or to conduct a re-poll is not warranted. The Returning Officer reiterates commitment to maintaining transparency, fairness, and integrity in the electoral process with a committed team of counting officials, being reputed Advocates who are extending their services probono. Therefore all candidates are hereby requested to cooperate fully in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted completion of the counting process. JUSTICE K.N. BASHA (Retd.), RETURNING OFFICER
- திமுக வேட்பாளர்களால் விநியோகிக்கப்பட்ட ரூ.8000/- கூப்பன் தொடர்பாக திரு. ஆர்.ஏ.எஸ்.செந்தில்வேல் தாக்கல் செய்த ரிட் மனு, தலைமை நீதிபதி மற்றும் நீதிபதி ஜி. அருள்முருகன் ஆகியோர் அடங்கிய அமர்வின் முன் இன்று விசாரணைக்கு வந்தது. மனுதாரர் சார்பில் ஆஜரான வழக்கறிஞர் பி.பி. புருஷோத்தமன் அவர்களுக்காக, வழக்கறிஞர் நவீன் குமார் மூர்த்தி வாதிட்டார். இந்த வழக்கு விசாரணைக்கு எடுத்துக்கொள்ளப்பட்டபோது, தேர்தல் ஆணையத்தின் சார்பில் ஆஜரான வழக்கறிஞர் . நிரஞ்சன் ராஜகோபால், 1. விநியோகிக்கப்பட்ட கூப்பன்கள் 1951 ஆம் ஆண்டு மக்கள் பிரதிநிதித்துவச் சட்டத்தின் பிரிவு 127A-ஐ மீறியுள்ளன என்றும், 2. சம்பந்தப்பட்ட சட்டமன்றத் தொகுதிகளில் முதல் தகவல் அறிக்கைகள் (FIR) பதிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன என்றும், 3. சம்பந்தப்பட்ட அரசியல் கட்சிக்கு விளக்கம் கோரும் அறிவிப்பு அனுப்பப்பட்டுள்ளது என்றும் சமர்ப்பித்தார். இவற்றைப் பதிவுசெய்து, ரிட் மனு முடித்து வைக்கப்பட்டது.
- #MadrasHighCourt Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan close a writ petition filed by AIADMK advocate R.A.S. Senthilvel alleging distribution of ₹8,000 coupons by DMK cadres in several constituencies. The judges record the submission of Election Commission of India counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan that action had been initiated wherever complaints were received regarding distribution of the coupons and that they had been seized for admk petner advt naveen kumar moorthy argued.
- MadrasHighCourt Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan on Monday dismissed a batch of nine writ petitions filed by DMK Rajya Sabha member R. Girirajan seeking a direction to the
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Recent Posts
- ORDER PASSED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER Sub.: Verbatim complaints from various candidates – Issues on Counting of votes from Tirupur District – Requesting for stopping of counting & ordering overall repolling – Reg.
- ORDER PASSED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER Sub.: Verbatim complaints from various candidates – Issues on Counting of votes from Tirupur District – Requesting for stopping of counting & ordering overall repolling – Reg. Ref: 1. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by Mr.S.Selvakumar (Serial.No. 106) 2. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by J.Chezhian (Sl. No. 20) 3. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by Angalaparameswari (Sl. No. 7) 4. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by N.Sreeradha (Sl. No. 119) 5. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by Vetrivel.S.M(Serial No. 138) 6. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by U.Indumathi (Serial No. 36) 7. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by Haritha (Serial No. 34) 8. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by P.Thomas Barnabas (Sl. No. 132) 9. Letter dated 20.04.2026 given by R.Rajesh (Sl. No. 88) ———– Similar verbatim letters dated 20.04.2026 are given as referred to above, regarding counting of votes pertaining to the Tirupur District ballot boxes from 17.04.2026. The counting for Tiruppur commenced from 15.04.2026 by segregating the various booths of Tiruppur District and accounting the ballot papers. The counting continued on 16.04.2026 and 17.04.2026. Towards the end of counting on 17.04.2026 concerns were raised about the excess of ballot papers. Considering the request of the candidates/agents present, the counting was deffered to address the issues. The Returning Officer with the counting team had examined all the concerns, queries, and allegations raised in relation to the counting of votes of Tirupur District. On a detailed verification and examination of the facts, the issue was addressed and a proper explanation was provided by the District Observer, Booth Observer being personally present on the commencement of the counting on 20.04.2026. The letters of the complainants have alleged that during the counting process in Tiruppur and Perambalur Districts, the number of votes increased to 49 and referred specifically to the video timestamp (08:24:46), wherein two ballot papers—one polled and one unpolled—appeared to bear similar serial numbers (64983 and 064893). There is no issue relating to Perambalur which had been completed and issue was only with Tiruppur District and the detailed reconciliation of the Tiruppur Polling Booth is as follows: • Total Ballots Sent (Initial Count): 1254 • Total Votes Polled: 1099 • Total Counterfoils: 1099 • Total Voters Signed in Register: 1099 • Total QR Slips Scanned: 1099 • Total Unused Ballot Sheets: 198 • Total Cancelled Ballots: 2 • Ballots Kept for Display/Verification: 2 Upon reconciliation, it is observed that ballot sheets serial numbers were inadvertently printed twice and those had been identified and were kept separately along with unused ballot sheets. These sheets were identified as unused ballots containing double-numbered sheets. On account of such duplicate serial numbers on the ballot papers the total count of ballots sent was increased to 1301, however genuine voters have cast the vote and the same is available in the ballot box and tallied with all available records. The ballot papers referred to in your complaint fall within this category of double-numbered unused ballot sheets. These ballots were not issued to voters, remained unused, and were segregated during counting. Hence, the presence of similar or overlapping serial numbers does not indicate any irregularity in the voting process. With respect to the allegation that certain ballot papers did not bear hologram symbols, the same was examined. It is clarified that no such discrepancy affecting the integrity of polled ballots has been established. To make things clear the hologram is only affixed and not printed and is only an additional security feature with the ballot being printed on watermark paper. All valid ballots counted were duly verified as per prescribed norms. Based on the above reconciliation and verification, it is found that there is no discrepancy in the number of votes polled. All figures (votes polled, counterfoils, voter’s register entries, and QR scans) are fully consistent. The additional ballot sheets with Counterfoils of the duplicate serial number identified are unused and do not form part of the voting count. The entire voting process in the Tiruppur Booth has been video graphed. Therefore, it is conclusively established that no malpractice, misuse of ballot papers, or irregularity in the voting or counting process has occurred. In view of the above findings, The allegation being not substantiated by any evidence, the request to stop the counting process or to conduct a re-poll is not warranted. The Returning Officer reiterates commitment to maintaining transparency, fairness, and integrity in the electoral process with a committed team of counting officials, being reputed Advocates who are extending their services probono. Therefore all candidates are hereby requested to cooperate fully in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted completion of the counting process. JUSTICE K.N. BASHA (Retd.), RETURNING OFFICER
- திமுக வேட்பாளர்களால் விநியோகிக்கப்பட்ட ரூ.8000/- கூப்பன் தொடர்பாக திரு. ஆர்.ஏ.எஸ்.செந்தில்வேல் தாக்கல் செய்த ரிட் மனு, தலைமை நீதிபதி மற்றும் நீதிபதி ஜி. அருள்முருகன் ஆகியோர் அடங்கிய அமர்வின் முன் இன்று விசாரணைக்கு வந்தது. மனுதாரர் சார்பில் ஆஜரான வழக்கறிஞர் பி.பி. புருஷோத்தமன் அவர்களுக்காக, வழக்கறிஞர் நவீன் குமார் மூர்த்தி வாதிட்டார். இந்த வழக்கு விசாரணைக்கு எடுத்துக்கொள்ளப்பட்டபோது, தேர்தல் ஆணையத்தின் சார்பில் ஆஜரான வழக்கறிஞர் . நிரஞ்சன் ராஜகோபால், 1. விநியோகிக்கப்பட்ட கூப்பன்கள் 1951 ஆம் ஆண்டு மக்கள் பிரதிநிதித்துவச் சட்டத்தின் பிரிவு 127A-ஐ மீறியுள்ளன என்றும், 2. சம்பந்தப்பட்ட சட்டமன்றத் தொகுதிகளில் முதல் தகவல் அறிக்கைகள் (FIR) பதிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன என்றும், 3. சம்பந்தப்பட்ட அரசியல் கட்சிக்கு விளக்கம் கோரும் அறிவிப்பு அனுப்பப்பட்டுள்ளது என்றும் சமர்ப்பித்தார். இவற்றைப் பதிவுசெய்து, ரிட் மனு முடித்து வைக்கப்பட்டது.
- #MadrasHighCourt Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan close a writ petition filed by AIADMK advocate R.A.S. Senthilvel alleging distribution of ₹8,000 coupons by DMK cadres in several constituencies. The judges record the submission of Election Commission of India counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan that action had been initiated wherever complaints were received regarding distribution of the coupons and that they had been seized for admk petner advt naveen kumar moorthy argued.
- MadrasHighCourt Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan on Monday dismissed a batch of nine writ petitions filed by DMK Rajya Sabha member R. Girirajan seeking a direction to the