Delhi HC directs rival PMK factions to approach competent civil court to settle internal disputes

The Delhi High Court on Thursday said the Election Commission of India (EC) had no power or jurisdiction to give any finding with respect to internal disputes arising between rival sections within an unrecognised political party. It asked the rival factions of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), led by founder S. Ramadoss and his estranged son Anbumani Ramadoss, to approach the competent civil court to resolve such disputes.

The court made these observations while hearing a petition filed by Dr. Ramadoss challenging the EC’s decision that the term of the party’s office-bearers would be valid till August 1, 2026, and until then, Dr. Anbumani would remain the party president.

Even though Clause 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 empowers the ECI to decide disputes between rival sections or groups of a recognised political party, each of which claims to be the party, there is no corresponding provision empowering the ECI to decide disputes between rival sections or groups of an unrecognised political party, the Court said.

The Court also recorded the submission made by the ECI’s counsel that it would not decide on any controversy regarding the recognition of either Dr. Ramadoss or Dr. Anbumani as the president of the party.