Advocate M L Ravi's Plea Rejected Over Lack of Evidence in 2024 Lok Sabha Polls
The Madras High Court, on Friday, dismissed an election petition challenging the victory of DMK candidate Dayanidhi Maran from Chennai Central constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Justice N Anand Venkatesh rejected the petition filed by advocate M L Ravi, who contested against Maran in the same constituency.Court Upholds Dayanidhi Maran’s Application
The court allowed an application submitted by Maran, seeking to remove certain allegations from Ravi's election petition. Justice Venkatesh concluded that after considering Maran's application, there was no remaining cause of action in Ravi’s petition. Consequently, the election petition was dismissed outright.Insufficient Evidence on Allegations of Excessive Election Expenditure
Justice Venkatesh clarified that Ravi’s allegations concerning the expenditure on campaign stickers were merely speculative. The petitioner approximated costs supposedly incurred by Maran but provided no evidence linking the DMK candidate directly to the stickers.The judge remarked, "There was no material available to even prima facie conclude that the stickers pasted in the houses of the constituency were directly attributable to the applicant. This attempt was too far-fetched and the pleadings available do not establish a cause of action for corrupt practice or violation under Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act."
Claims on Provision of Food and Amenities to Booth Agents Unsubstantiated
Addressing another claim by Ravi, who alleged that Maran improperly spent money on meals and amenities for booth agents, the judge ruled this as baseless. Justice Venkatesh stated the allegations lacked essential specifics, emphasizing that the court could not assume that all party cadres received food and supplies directly from Maran.“These booth agents were party cadres working for their political party, and the court cannot assume that all these individuals were provided with food, beverages, chairs, and tables by the candidates themselves,” Justice Venkatesh noted.
Petitioner's Allegations on Political Rally Deemed Unsupported
Lastly, the judge addressed accusations related to discrepancies between Maran’s recorded election expenditures and actual costs, particularly concerning an alleged political rally on April 14 and 15, 2024. Ravi submitted video evidence claiming Maran’s involvement. However, the court determined that the footage failed to show Maran’s participation, making Ravi's allegations purely assumptive.Justice Venkatesh emphasized, "The petitioner assumed that the rally was organized by the applicant without material facts. The allegations neither prove participation nor justify attributing expenditure to the applicant."
