Madras High Court Dismisses Case Against CM’s Secretary Umanath Over Alleged Code of Conduct Violations The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition seeking action against Umanath, the Secretary to the Chief Minister, for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct

by Sekar Reporter · April 22, 2026

Madras High Court Dismisses Case Against CM’s Secretary Umanath Over Alleged Code of Conduct Violations

The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition seeking action against Umanath, the Secretary to the Chief Minister, for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct

With the Model Code of Conduct currently in effect in Tamil Nadu, Yercaud Mohandas, a lawyer representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), filed a petition in the Madras High Court. He accused the Chief Minister’s Secretary, Umanath, of acting in violation of election rules.

The petitioner alleged that Umanath, while continuing in his role as Secretary to the CM, was issuing orders to District Collectors and police officials. He requested the court to direct the Election Commission to take action against the officer.

The case came up for hearing before a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan.
Election Commission’s Response: During the proceedings, the Election Commission filed a counter-affidavit stating that the petitioner had not leveled any specific, concrete allegations against the IAS officer.

The Commission further pointed out that the petitioner had failed to provide any documentary evidence to prove that the officer had acted in violation of election rules.

Taking note of these submissions, the bench headed by the Acting Chief Justice observed the lack of evidence and dismissed the petition.