Madras High Court Seeks ECI Response on PIL Alleging TVK Used Children in 2026 Poll Campaign

May 21, 2026 : The Madras High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Election Commission of India on a Public Interest Litigation alleging that the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, used children in electoral campaigning during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

A Division Bench comprising Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice V Lakshminarayanan orally questioned whether a recognised political party itself could face disqualification for corrupt practices under the framework of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The observations came while hearing a PIL filed by advocate Vasuki, who alleged violations of electoral laws and corrupt practices during the Assembly elections. The petitioner claimed that TVK involved children in election-related activities and sought to influence voters through emotional appeals directed at minors.

According to the plea, during a public meeting held at YMCA Grounds in Chennai on April 21, Vijay allegedly addressed children and urged them to influence the voting choices of their parents and family members. The petition further stated that videos later surfaced on social media, television and digital platforms showing children allegedly persuading parents and grandparents regarding voting preferences.

The petitioner argued that such acts violated guidelines issued by the Election Commission prohibiting the involvement of children in election rallies, campaigns, political mobilisation and distribution of campaign material.

The plea relied on various advisories and communications issued by the Commission in 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2017 directing political parties and election authorities to ensure that minors were not used in electoral activities.

Apart from allegations against TVK, the petition also accused the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) of corrupt practices, including alleged cash-for-votes schemes in constituencies such as Mylapore, Alangulam and Thirumangalam.

During the hearing, counsel pointed out that allegations of corrupt practices under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act are ordinarily examined through election petitions challenging the election of returned candidates under Section 100 of the Act. The Court also considered whether the statutory scheme permits disqualification of an entire political party for alleged corrupt practices.

The petition further alleged that despite complaints, media reports, videos and other material being publicly available, both the Election Commission and the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer failed to conduct an effective or transparent inquiry into the allegations.

Observing that the issues raised required examination, the High Court directed the Election Commission to obtain instructions and file its response.