2 TN parties approach HC for allotment of symbols

Madras High Court today issued notice to the Election Commission on petitions by Tamil Nadu-based Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and Puthiya Thamizhagam seeking allotment of particular symbols to them for the Lok Sabha polls.
When the petitions came up for hearing, a Division Bench comprising Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice M Sathyanarayanan issued notice to G Rajagopalan appearing for Election Commission of India and posted the matter for further hearing to Tuesday.
MMK, represented by its president J S Rifayee, sought a direction to the EC to allot the symbol of 'candles' which was used by the petitioners party in the previous elections. This had not been allotted to any other party within Tamil Nadu and is part of free symbol.

Puthiya Thamizhagam, led by Dr Krishnaswamy in its petition, sought allotment of TV symbol.
In another poll-related petition, Madurai-based advocate Muthukumar filed a PIL seeking a direction to the EC to make special facilities such as ramps for the physically-disabled electorate at all polling stations during the Lok Sabha polls.
The court issued a notice to the EC counsel and to the state government and posted the matter for April 2.