AIADMK Pressures Tamil Nadu Speaker to Vacate Tirukkoyilur Seat After MLA’s Conviction

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has taken a firm stance, urging Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M Appavu to declare the Tirukkoyilur assembly seat vacant following the conviction of former minister K Ponmudy in a disproportionate assets case.

In response to Ponmudy’s disqualification as a legislator by the Madras High Court, the AIADMK has swiftly moved to petition the Speaker for the vacancy declaration, citing legal grounds under Section 8(1) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.

The conviction of Ponmudy marks a significant turn of events, prompting the AIADMK to advocate for procedural integrity within the assembly. The party’s initiative mirrors its commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in governance.

Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami, in correspondence with the Speaker, emphasized the imperative nature of adhering to constitutional norms and urged for prompt action in announcing the vacancy. Palaniswami’s letter to the Speaker underscored the necessity for unbiased decision-making, calling attention to the Speaker’s constitutional obligation in this regard.

The Madras High Court’s verdict in December 2023, overturning Ponmudy’s earlier acquittal in the disproportionate assets case, underscores the legal complexities surrounding the matter. The court’s decision reverberates through the political landscape, necessitating procedural responses to uphold the sanctity of legislative representation.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the AIADMK’s proactive stance underscores the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.