HC directs EC to dispose representation against councillor

Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission officials to dispose of the representation made against N Bhaskaran, councilor of ward No 140 of Chennai Corporation, alleging suppression of facts at the time of filing nomination papers during civic polls.
Justice M Sathyanarayanan said in his recent order that "without going into the merits of the representation, this court directs the Chief Election Commissioner for Local Body Polls to dispose of the representation made against him on March 17 in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible and not later than eight weeks from the date of receipt of the order and also communicate the decision to the petitioner as well as the person against whom the representation is made."

S Parthiban had made a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner of Local Body Elections against Bhaskaran, who won the polls in AIADMK ticket.
He alleged that Bhaskaran was working as a Junior Assistant in the Bharat Scouts and Guides office at Chennai and at the time of his nomination he suppressed that fact.
Parthiban alleged that Bhaskaran was dismissed from service for misappropriation of funds from the office which was also suppressed.
He contended that Bhaskaran has obtained a loan of Rs 50,000/ from Government undertaking employees co-operative society, in Triplicane and not paid back the money till date and society is taking action against him and all these facts were not disclosed to the returning officer at the time of filing nomination.

He submitted that the election of Bhaskaran is against the provisions of Sec 54-B and 54-C of the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act, 1919 and his selection as Member of Council is invalid.