The Delhi High Court on Thursday said the Election Commission of India (EC) has no power or jurisdiction to make any findings regarding internal disputes arising between rival sections within an unrecognized political party. It has asked the rival factions of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), led by founder S Ramadoss and his estranged son Anbumani Ramadoss, to approach the relevant civil court for resolution of such disputes.
The court made these observations while considering the proposal submitted by Dr. Ramadoss, who questions the decision of the EC that the term of office of the parties will be valid until August 1, 2026, and until then Dr. will remain the chairman of the party. Anbuman.
While Article 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allocation) Ordinance, 1968 empowers the ECI to adjudicate disputes between rival sections or groups of a recognized political party each claiming to be a party, there is no corresponding provision empowering the ECI to adjudicate disputes between rival sections or groups of an unrecognized political party, the court said.
The court also took note of ECI’s legal representative’s statement that he would not rule on any dispute regarding the recognition of Dr. Ramadoss or Dr. Anbumani as party chairman.
Published – 06 Dec 2025 21:59 IST
