EC Confirms TVK Not a Recognized Political Party in Madras HC Plea

The Election Commission of India (ECI) informed the Madras High Court on October 17, 2025, that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, is not a recognized political party, effectively nullifying a plea seeking its derecognition. The statement came during a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) hearing before Chief Justice MM Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan, filed by C Selvakumar in response to a tragic stampede at TVK’s September 27 rally in Karur, which claimed 41 lives. The court directed the registry to consolidate all related cases, except those pending before the Supreme Court, for a dedicated bench to address the incident’s fallout.

Selvakumar’s PIL demanded strict enforcement of the ECI’s February 5, 2024, directive prohibiting the involvement of women and children in political rallies, alleging TVK’s leadership mobilized them unlawfully, leading to the mass casualties. The petitioner sought accountability from Vijay and TVK, including a minimum compensation of Rs 1 crore per deceased victim and proportionate relief for the injured. Additionally, Selvakumar urged that recognized parties submit undertakings to comply with the ECI’s directive, with non-compliance triggering derecognition—a point rendered moot by the ECI’s clarification, as counsel Niranjan Rajagopal noted TVK’s unrecognized status invalidates such a demand.

The Karur stampede, which occurred during TVK’s first major public event, has intensified scrutiny on the party’s organizational capabilities and Vijay’s political debut. The bench noted that a related plea to amend the FIR against Vijay would be addressed under the Supreme Court’s ongoing directive for a CBI probe into the incident. Originally filed at the Madurai bench, the PIL was transferred to the First bench due to the involvement of the Chief Election Commissioner as the primary respondent, underscoring the case’s high-profile nature.

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As investigations continue, the tragedy has sparked broader calls for enhanced safety protocols at political gatherings. Selvakumar’s demands reflect public outrage over the loss of life, pressing for systemic changes to prevent such disasters. With TVK’s status clarified and a CBI probe underway, the Madras High Court’s consolidation of cases signals a concerted effort to deliver justice and address the systemic issues exposed by the Karur stampede.

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