The XIII Assistant City Civil Court in Chennai on Thursday (March 26, 2026) declined to direct the Election Commission of India (ECI), by way of interim relief, to allot the ‘mango’ symbol to PMK founder S. Ramadoss, who has raised a dispute over its use by his estranged son and party president Anbumani.
Dr. Ramadoss contended that he had assumed charge as the party president after the expiry of Dr. Anbumani’s tenure in May 2025 and subsequent decisions made by party committees supported his leadership.
He said the ECI’s decision to recognise communications from Dr. Anbumani and allot him the ‘mango’ symbol was illegal.
The defendants, however, argued that Dr. Anbumani remained the duly elected president, with his tenure extended by the general council. They also questioned the authority of the founder to unilaterally assume administrative control, stating that party by-laws only accorded him an advisory role.
Judge M. Dharmaprabhu noted that the Assembly election process had already commenced in Tamil Nadu, with the announcement of the polling date. Any interference at this stage would disrupt the process. The judge reiterated the settled legal principle that courts should refrain from intervening once elections were under way, except under exceptional circumstances.
The court made it clear that all observations were limited to deciding the interim applications and would not affect the final outcome of the suit.
Key issues, including the legitimacy of rival leadership claims, the validity of internal party decisions, and the authority of office-bearers, would be examined during the trial.
Published – March 27, 2026 12:30 am IST
