AIADMK clashes | Supreme Court dismisses Panneerselvam’s petition against Madras HC order

The court said the clash happened outside the AIADMK office and it was a law and order problem

The Supreme Court on September 12 said the attachment of the AIADMK party office was an "extreme" measure in a democracy even as it did not entertain former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam's plea against a Madras High Court order which later gave the building's keys to rival Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

A Bench led by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said the High Court’s decision two months ago has more or less restored the peace.

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The trouble began when the followers of Mr. Panneerselvam and Mr. Palaniswami had clashed outside the party headquarters following a general council meeting on July 11. The meeting had seen the reported expulsion of Mr. Panneerselvam from the party.

The violence had led the South Chennai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) to lock, seal and attach the party headquarters.

The High Court, acting on the respective appeals of both leaders, set aside the Revenue Department's order and gave the possession of the office building to Mr. Palaniswami. Mr. Panneerselvam had moved the Supreme Court in appeal.

"To attach the office of a political party is an extraordinary measure. In a democracy, will you not allow political parties to function? This is a dispute between two factions of a party and not to be treated like a dispute between neighbours," Justice Chandrachud observed.