Madras HC Seeks ECI Response on Plea Alleging Stalin Hid Trust Details in Affidavit

A writ petition before the Madras High Court has requested a direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to investigate a complaint against former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The petitioner alleges that Stalin suppressed details of his trusteeship in the DMK Charitable Trust in his election affidavit, which could violate the Representation of the People Act, 1951 if proven.

The First Division Bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan is scheduled to hear the petition on Monday, July 27, 2026. The petitioner, advocate T. Sivagnanasambandan, contested against Stalin in the Kolathur constituency during the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections as a candidate of the Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi (DMSK).

According to the petition, Section 33A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, read with Rule 4A of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, requires candidates to file affidavits disclosing all movable and immovable assets, liabilities, beneficial interests, trusteeships, and financial interests. The petitioner argues that this is a statutory requirement meant to ensure transparency and enable voters to make informed choices.

The petitioner claims that Stalin became the managing trustee of the DMK Charitable Trust after his father, M. Karunanidhi, passed away in 2018. He further alleges that the trust acquired an immovable property in Kadambadi village, Chengalpattu district, for ₹2.27 crore in 2019, a transaction registered with the Tirukazhukundram Sub Registrar's office. However, this information was not disclosed in Stalin's Form-26 affidavit filed with the Returning Officer, according to the petition.

The petitioner states that he made a representation to the ECI and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on May 12, 2026, seeking an inquiry and proceedings under Section 125A of the 1951 Act. Alleging that no action was taken, he now seeks a court directive for the ECI and CEO to consider his complaint, conduct an inquiry, and take appropriate legal action if the allegations are substantiated.

The High Court will examine the petition and decide on further proceedings.