The Madras High Court sought a response from the Election Commission of India on allegations that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam used children during the 2026 Tamil Nadu election campaign, while questioning whether a political party itself could face disqualification for corrupt practices.
The Madras High Court sought the response of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging that the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), headed by Chief Minister Vijay, used children during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign to influence voters.
The matter was heard by a Division Bench comprising Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice V Lakshminarayanan. During the hearing, the Bench orally questioned whether a political party itself could face disqualification on allegations of corrupt electoral practices.
The Court asked,
“The candidate can be disqualified, but can a party be disqualified?”
The PIL and Contentions of Parties:
The PIL was filed by advocate Vasuki, who alleged large-scale corrupt practices during the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The petition specifically referred to a public meeting allegedly held at YMCA Grounds in Chennai on April 21, where Vijay was accused of encouraging children to emotionally influence or persuade their parents regarding voting preferences. According to the plea, the speech was subsequently circulated widely across print media, television channels, digital platforms and social media.
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The petitioner argued that the remarks triggered public concern over the alleged use of children as instruments of electoral influence during the campaign period. The plea further claimed that several videos surfaced online showing children allegedly pressuring parents and grandparents regarding whom to vote for during the elections.
The petitioner contended that such activities violated Election Commission guidelines prohibiting the involvement of children in electoral campaigns and political activities. Reference was made to a 2017 communication issued by the Election Commission directing political parties and election officials to ensure that children are not engaged in election-related activities.
The petition also cited earlier Election Commission communications issued in 2009, 2013 and 2014, wherein the Commission had expressed strong disapproval of involving children in rallies, campaign events, distribution of campaign material or any election-related work.
Counsel appearing for the petitioner argued before the Court that the matter involved allegations relating to “vote for money” practices and improper electoral influence allegedly exercised through children.
The petitioner’s counsel submitted that TVK had effectively used children during the campaign process to influence the voting choices of their parents and family members. It was also pointed out before the Court that even after the election results, TVK president Vijay had publicly thanked children during his address, which according to the petitioner reflected their alleged involvement in the campaign.
Apart from allegations against TVK, the petition also levelled accusations of electoral bribery and cash-for-vote practices against other major political parties including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
The plea referred to alleged incidents in constituencies such as Mylapore, Alangulam and Thirumangalam, where claims of distribution of money to voters were reportedly raised.
According to the petitioner, despite videos, complaints, media reports and related materials being available in the public domain, the Election Commission and the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer allegedly failed to conduct any meaningful or transparent inquiry into the allegations.
Legal Questions Raised Before Court
During the hearing, another counsel appearing in the matter pointed out that allegations of corrupt practices under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 are generally adjudicated through election petitions filed against returned candidates.
The counsel questioned,
Whether a political party itself could legally face disqualification under Section 100 of the Act?
Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act deals with corrupt practices such as bribery and undue influence, while Section 100 provides grounds on which an election can be declared void.
The petitioner argued that the integrity and purity of the electoral process in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections had been compromised due to alleged bribery, undue influence and misuse of children during campaigning.
The PIL ultimately seeks directions to the Election Commission of India and the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer to conduct an independent, transparent and time-bound inquiry into the allegations of corrupt practices involving TVK, DMK and AIADMK during the Assembly elections.
Taking note of the submissions, the High Court observed that the allegations required consideration and called upon the Election Commission to obtain instructions and respond to the petition.
The Court told the ECI counsel,
“Matter requires some investigation. Get instructions,”
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