Chennai, March 26 A civil court in Chennai on Thursday declined to freeze the PMK's mango symbol, as sought by its founder S Ramadoss, stating that the matter falls within the exclusive domain of the EC.
Ramadoss, the complainant in the case, was advised by Assistant Judge of the XIII Assistant City Civil Court, M Dharmaprabu, that he was free to approach the Election Commission of India.
The PMK founder had moved the court seeking to freeze the party symbol in a bid to restrain his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, from using the mango symbol and reserving it for himself.
"In view of the discussions in the case, this court is of the considered opinion that the plaintiff (S Ramadoss) has failed to satisfy the prima facie case. The balance of convenience and irreparable injury would be caused to him if the reliefs sought are declined at this stage," the assistant judge said.
Any interference at this juncture would disrupt the ongoing election process, which the court is not inclined to do, he added while dismissing the case.
He made it clear that, if permissible in law, Ramadoss may approach the ECI through an appropriate representation.
"This court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of such representation. It is for the said authority to consider the same, if submitted, strictly in accordance with law,” the assistant judge said.
The court noted that PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss was elected as a Member of Rajya Sabha in 2026, as per documents presented to the ECI.
For Puducherry, nominations were scrutinised on March 24, and all papers filed by the PMK were accepted.
The court observed that the dispute in the present suit concerns the administration and leadership of the political party itself.
The counsel for the ECI submitted that the election process has been initiated and that the allotment of symbols falls within the Commission’s domain and is an intrinsic part of the election process.
"Therefore, any order passed by this court would amount to interfering with the ongoing election proceedings," the counsel said, seeking dismissal of the petition.
