Tamil Nadu Speaker reopens inquiry into four ex-AIADMK MLAs' disqualification pleas

The Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has commenced another phase of inquiry into disqualification pleas filed against four former AIADMK members of the legislative body. The legislators in question—Esakki Subaya, S. Jayakumar, P. Sathyabama, and Maragatham Kumaravel—were elected on AIADMK party tickets during the 2026 Assembly elections.

Shortly after securing their seats, all four legislators tendered their resignations from the House and subsequently joined the ruling Tamil Maanila Congress (Moovendar) Kazhagam, commonly known as TVK. Their swift departure from the AIADMK and transition to the ruling party triggered formal disqualification petitions against them.

The fresh inquiry represents another chapter in the ongoing proceedings regarding the four legislators' status. Such disqualification cases typically examine whether the defecting members violated anti-defection provisions under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, commonly referred to as the anti-defection law.

The development underscores the continuing political volatility in Tamil Nadu, where factional disputes and party realignments have periodically prompted legal challenges against elected representatives who change their party affiliation. The outcome of the Speaker's inquiry could have implications for the composition of the current Assembly.