Supreme Court Stays Madras High Court Order, Clears TVK MLA for Tamil Nadu Floor Test

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday stayed a Madras High Court order that had restrained R Seenivasa Sethupathi from participating in a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, paving the way for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam legislator to vote and take part in Assembly proceedings. The apex court also stayed further proceedings before the Madras High Court in the pending writ petition challenging Sethupathi’s election victory.

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and Vijay Bishnoi passed the interim order after Sethupathi approached the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court’s decision. The bench ordered that the effect and operation of the High Court ruling would remain stayed until further consideration of the matter, effectively restoring the MLA’s right to participate in legislative proceedings for the time being.

The dispute stems from Sethupathi’s narrow electoral victory in the Tiruppattur district, where he defeated K. R. Periakaruppan of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam by a margin of just one vote. On Tuesday, the Madras High Court had restrained the MLA from voting or participating in the Assembly floor test while hearing a legal challenge related to the election result. Following the ruling, Sethupathi moved the Supreme Court, seeking urgent relief, arguing that the restriction would directly affect legislative proceedings and democratic representation.

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The development assumes political significance amid the evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu, where floor tests and legislative numbers can play a crucial role in government stability and party influence. The Supreme Court’s interim relief ensures that Sethupathi will be able to take part in Assembly proceedings unless further orders are passed. The matter is expected to continue before the apex court, while the legal challenge surrounding the election result remains unresolved.

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