HC notice to EC on DMK candidate's petition

The Madras High Court today issued a notice to the Salem District Collector and Returning officer for the Yercaud Assembly bypoll on a petition praying transfer of the official accusing him of favouring ruling AIADMK and not enforcing the model code of conduct for elections.
Justice K K Sasidharan directed counsel for petitioner V Maran, who is contesting the December 4 bypoll on the DMK symbol to serve notices on standing counsel for Election Commission of India and adjourned the matter to November 27.
Maran in his petition contended that despite complaints lodged by him and his party leaders over AIADMK violating model code of conduct the District Collector has failed to act. If the same official is continued, a fair and free poll cannot be ensured, the petitioner submitted.

The petitioner prayed the court to pass an interim injunction restraining the Collector from administering the Yercaud by-election and for a direction to the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu to issue suitable orders transferring him.