Madras High Court to Rule on Disputed AIADMK MLA Resignations

Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arulmurugan heard arguments from petitioners, including AIADMK whip Agri Krishnamurthy, who claim the Speaker failed to conduct a proper inquiry. The opposition alleged horse-trading influenced the move, while the resigned MLAs maintained that switching political allegiances is a standard democratic right. The Assembly Secretary argued that once a voluntary resignation letter is submitted, the Speaker is obligated to accept it without further interference.

The timing of the ruling coincides with the vote counting for by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, constituencies vacated by the resignations of Maragatham Kumaravel and P Sathyabama. Security remains high across 285 polling stations where 27 candidates vied for control of the seats. With results pending, the court’s decision regarding the legitimacy of these departures could reshape the political landscape in Tamil Nadu.