Election petition against Udhayanidhi filed beyond statutory deadline: HC told

The Madras High Court on Tuesday concluded oral arguments on applications seeking to reject an election petition filed against Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, with the petitioner's legal representatives arguing that the case was filed beyond the statutory 45-day limit prescribed under electoral law.

Justice G. Arul Murugan heard submissions from counsel for the Leader of the Opposition, who sought to strike off the pleadings and reject the petition on technical grounds. The arguments centered on whether the petition met the legal requirements for maintainability under the Representation of the People Act.

Election petitions challenging election results must be filed within 45 days of the declaration of results. The key contention in the case appears to be whether the filing deadline had elapsed before the petition was submitted to the court.

The court reserved its order following the conclusion of arguments, with the bench expected to deliver its judgment after considering the written submissions and oral arguments presented by both sides. The ruling will determine whether the petition can proceed on merits or stands to be dismissed on procedural grounds.