P. ARUMUGAM Vs. TAMIL NADU STATE ELECTION COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to provide uninterrupted and additional reinforcement of police force and total coverage throughout the election process scheduled to be held on 19/2/2022, in Ward No.117.

(2.) Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that a complaint was lodged against the opponent contestant belonging to ruling party for affixing their posters on the posters already affixed by the petitioner. The petitioner has also made a representation to the respondents 1 and 2 in this regard. The petitioner has filed certain photographs to demonstrate the aforesaid action of the opponent contestant.

(3.) Learned counsel for the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission and the Chennai Corporation would state that affixing posters on walls in public property or private property, without permission, is an offence and liable for prosecution under the provisions of the Tamilnadu Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1959 and is in breach of the circular issued by the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission on 30/11/2021 deprecating the unhealthy practice of disfigurement/defacement of public and private properties during the election campaign and directing the authorities to take necessary immediate action.