The Madras High Court today refused to stay the January 28 Tiruvarur by-election. Following this, hurdles have been cleared for the by-poll, which is expected to see a tough contest between the AIADMK, the DMK and the AMMK.
A plea was been filed in HC to forbear the Election Commission from conducting the by-poll to Tiruvarur constituency, stating that the election would affect relief work undertaken in the region following Cyclone Gaja. In his public interest litigation, V Sathyanarayanan, general secretary of Kaveri Delta Farmers Union, said once the gazette notification was issued on January 3, the model code of conduct would come into force and the poll body would be in charge of the situation.
"There will be a number of restrictions. As a result, people in Thiruvarur constituency will not be able to get the benefit of the ongoing relief work and celebrate Pongal festival in a free manner," he said. When it came up for hearing today, the High Court refused to stay the by-poll which is slated to be held on January 28. The filing of nominations will begin in Tiruvarur on January 3 and the last date to submit the papers will be January 10. Scrutiny will be done on January 11 and the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is January 14.
Votes polled on January 28 will be counted on January 31.
Since Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used during the by-election, results are expected to be announced before the noon of January 31.
