- By Shubham Bajpai
- Thu, 21 May 2026 07:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Madras High Court on Thursday sought a response from the Election Commission on whether the CM Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) used children to canvass votes during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The court asked the poll body to respond while hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging violation of rules and electoral corruption.
During the hearing, a bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and V Lakshminarayanan asked whether a political party could be disqualified for corrupt practices. The court asked that a candidate could be disqualified, but could such action be taken against a party?
The lawyer representing the petitioner argued that the case involved "cash for votes" and the use of children to solicit votes. He claimed that TVK used children in its election campaign.
Vijay's thanks to children also mentioned
The petitioner pointed out that Vijay had thanked the children in his address after the election results were announced. The court stated that the matter was serious and warranted investigation.
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The Election Commission's lawyer was then directed to seek instructions from the poll body and submit a response.
The public interest litigation (PIL), filed by advocate Vasuki through her counsel Kanimozhi Mathi, accused the TVK, as well as the DMK and AIADMK, of electoral corruption and distribution of money for votes.
The petition alleges that children were used to influence voters and campaign during the election. The petitioner cited a rally held by Vijay at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai on April 21.
It is alleged that Vijay had asked children in that rally to emotionally influence their parents to vote.
As per the petition, several videos subsequently surfaced on social media showing children pressuring their parents and grandparents to vote.
Plea cites old instructions of the Election Commission
To back its argument, the plea also cited Election Commission directives of 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2017, which stated that children should not be involved in the electoral process or campaigning.
The petitioner alleges that despite complaints, videos, and media reports, the poll body and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Tamil Nadu have not conducted an effective investigation. The petition demands an independent and timely investigation into the allegations of electoral corruption against the TVK, DMK, and AIADMK.