Election of TR Baalu upheld

The election of TR Baalu (DMK) from Sriperumbudur Parliamentary constituency in the May 13, 2009 elections, was upheld by the High Court on Monday. Justice S Rajeswaran upheld the election while dismissing two petitions - one from former PMK union minister AK Moorthy and the other from an independent candidate P Nagaraj - challenging his election.

Conceding the contentions of Baalu’s  senior counsel P Wilson, the judge observed that the poll petition did not contain necessary material facts. There was also no cause of action for filing it. Therefore, the same had to be dismissed, the judge added. Moorthy said that Baalu had indulged in corrupt activities and the Returning Officer, his subordinates and the government authorities acted in such a manner to ensure his victory. The EVMs had been tampered with, the petitioner added.

The judge said the petitioner could not make sweeping claims against the constitutional authorities without sufficient materials.