The Election Commission of India informed the Madras High Court that voters in Tamil Nadu's assembly elections were adults who decide independently. It also said it would review guidelines on political appeals to children.
The Election Commission of India told the Madras High Court on July 14 that there can be no presumption of children influencing voter behaviour in this year's Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. All voters are adults protected by secrecy laws, the commission stated in a counter affidavit.
Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik filed the response to a public interest litigation seeking an inquiry into Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's appeal to children to persuade adults to vote for his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party. The commission added that it would examine restrictions on campaigns targeting children and issue guidelines if needed.
The court was also informed that ₹599.24 crore in cash was seized during the elections to prevent distribution for votes. Counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan noted that such acts are offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and can be addressed through election petitions.
The first Division Bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan adjourned the petition by a week after taking the affidavit on file.
