WP No.15301 of 2026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 17.04.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN WP No.15301 of 2026 K.Raveendran, Advocate, No.147/9, Golden Jubilee Flats, Padikuppam Road, Anna Nagar West, Chennai 600 040 Petitioner Vs 1. The Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110 001. 2.Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai 600 009. 3.The Returning Officer, Harbour Constituency, Additional Director of Medical & Rural Health Services (Admin), Bharathi Government Women Arts College, No.1, Prakasam Salai,Chennai 600 108. Also at No.18, Harbour Assembly Constituency. No.60, VOC Salai, Elephant Gate, Chennai-600079. Respondents https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No.15301 of 2026 Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing respondents 1 to 3 to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 15.04.2026 and initiate appropriate investigation and seize the tokens with a QR code carrying a unique serial number. For Petitioner : Mr. N.A.Nissar Ahmed Senior Counsel for Mr. S.Shyam Kumar For Respondents : Mr. Niranjan Rajagopalan Standing Counsel ORDER (Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) The present writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeks a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 15.04.2026 and initiate appropriate investigation and seize the tokens with QR code carrying a unique serial number. 2. Learned Senior Counsel for the petitioner submitted that the agents and workers of a particular political party are distributing cash tokens to voters holding valid family card in the Harbour Constituency area and once the QR Code is scanned, it shows the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol, which belongs to a political party. Learned Senior Counsel https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No.15301 of 2026 further submits that such practice would impinge fair election process and therefore, the petitioner has sent a representation to the respondents to take appropriate action; however, the same has not been acted upon. 3. On the other hand, learned Standing Counsel for the Election Commission of India, on instructions, submitted that on receipt of a complaint on 14.02.2026, regarding distribution of tokens bearing QR codes, three flying squad teams were sent; who inspected the site and found no irregularities. A complaint was received again on 15.04.2026, approximately at 13.20 hours, complaining that tokens were distributed at Press Vetri, New No.70, Old No.125, Pidari Koil Street, Second Floor, Bishop Cowrie School backside, Chennai 600 001. Immediately on receipt of the said complaint, two flying squads were mobilized and dispatched to the location. The teams reached the spot and commenced inquiry without delay and found no material evidence. 4. In spite of the aforesaid exercise, the respondents have lodged a first information report vide Cr.No.82/2026 and the matter is currently under further investigation, as per procedure. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No.15301 of 2026 5. Learned counsel for the respondents also assures that further action in accordance with law shall be taken. 6. In view of the aforesaid statement, no further orders are necessary in this petition. The petition stands closed. There will be no order as to costs. (SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ.) (G.ARUL MURUGAN, J.) 17.04.2026 Index : Yes/No Neutral Citation : Yes/No tar https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No.15301 of 2026 To 1. The Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110 001. 2.The Chief Electoral Officer, Secretariat, Fort St George, Chennai 600 009. 3.The Returning Officer, Harbour Constituency, Additional Director of Medical & Rural Health Services (Admin), Bharathi Government Women Arts College, No.1, Prakasam Salai, Chennai 600 108. Also at No.18, Harbour Assembly Constituency. No.60, VOC Salai, Elephant Gate, Chennai-600079. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No.15301 of 2026 THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND G.ARUL MURUGAN , J. (tar) WP No.15301 of 2026 17.04.2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis