The earlier ruling from the Madras High Court barred OPS from employing the AIADMK symbol, flag, and official letterhead.
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TAMIL NADU: In a significant development in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, the Madras High Court has upheld a previous order prohibiting O Paneerselvam (OPS), the former Chief Minister and expelled leader of the AIADMK party, from using the party’s name, flag, symbol, and letterhead. This decision comes as a setback to OPS, who has been engaged in a legal battle with Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), the current General Secretary of AIADMK and a key political rival.
The division bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Justices R Mahadevan and Mohammed Shaffiq, declined to intervene in the interim order issued by Justice N Sathish Kumar last year. The order, dated November 7, 2023, granted an interim injunction restraining OPS from using the AIADMK party’s symbol or flag until November 30, following a civil suit filed by EPS. The suit aimed to prevent OPS from claiming his association as the coordinator and primary member of the AIADMK.
EPS’s legal move was based on the contention that despite his expulsion from the party, OPS continued to assert himself as the coordinator, causing confusion among the party cadres. The High Court had previously upheld OPS’s expulsion, and even the Election Commission had recognized EPS as the General Secretary of AIADMK. In response, OPS argued that his expulsion was still under legal challenge and that he should not be restricted from using the party’s insignia.
However, the court found no substantial grounds to overturn the single judge’s decision. The bench advised OPS to approach the single judge to vacate the interim injunction order if he wished to challenge it further. This ruling marks a crucial point in the ongoing power struggle within the AIADMK, reflecting the judiciary’s role in resolving internal party disputes.
This represents a pivotal moment in Tamil Nadu’s political narrative, highlighting the complexities and legal intricacies involved in party politics and leadership disputes.
Following this, Justice N Sathish Kumar granted an interim injunction prohibiting OPS from using the AIADMK party’s symbol or flag until November 30.
(More details awaited)
READ JUDGEMENT- O Panneerselvam v Edappadi K Palaniswami (Case No: OSA 220 of 2023)
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