Don't decide K C Palaniswamy representations on AIADMK constitution till Sep 13: HC to EC

The Delhi High Court today directed the Election Commission not to decide till September 13 former AIADMK spokesperson K C Palanisamy's representations against the amendments to the party's constitution leading to abolition of the post of general secretary.

A bench of justices Hima Kohli and Rekha Palli issued the direction as Palanisamy was not represented before it in a plea moved by former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam challenging an August 10 high court order to the poll panel to decide the former spokesperson's representations in four weeks.

Panneerselvam's lawyers told the bench the August 10 order, on Palanisamy's plea, was passed by a single judge without hearing them.

They also claimed that Palanisamy's plea, for directions to the EC to expeditiously decide his representations, was not maintainable as he had not disclosed his expulsion from the party.

The bench, after hearing brief arguments, suggested that Panneerselvam can be granted the liberty to respond to the representations before the EC, but refrained from passing such an order as the former AIADMK leader was not represented before the court.

The bench listed the matter for hearing on September 13 and asked the lawyers for Panneerselvam to ensure that a copy of their petition is provided to Palanisamy.

Palanisamy in his representations before the poll panel has challenged the validity of the September 12, 2017, amendment to the party's constitution.

Subsequent to the amendment, instead of post of general secretary, the posts of coordinator and joint coordinator were created as late J Jayalalithaa was made the eternal general secretary of the party.