The Madras high court on Friday declared the recently concluded elections to Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes Association) as null and void. It also ordered fresh polls within three months.
Justice K Kalyanasundaram, who delivered the verdict on a batch of cases filed both in favour and against the elections held last year, appointed former High Court judge B Gokuldas as election officer and entrusted him with the responsibility of supervising the election of new office-bearers.
The Judge said, “Fresh voters’ list shall be prepared after verification, and the same shall be notified. Fresh election notification shall also be issued as per bylaws. Members of the petitioner association and the Government of Tamil Nadu shall provide all assistance, including police protection, and extend fullest cooperation to the election officer for the conduct of free and fair election.”
He added: “The decision of the election officer is final with regard to the issues relating to the election process. If there is any dispute/grievance/
The series of litigation started after Registrar of Societies passed an order postponing elections to the association indefinitely because of allegations that the names of 61 members were allegedly removed from the rolls days before the election.
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