Election Result
- TVK MLA R. Seenivasa Sethupathy won the Tirupattur Assembly constituency in Sivaganga district in the 2026 Assembly election by just one vote.
Election Petition
- DMK candidate and former Minister K.R. Periakaruppan challenged the result, arguing that the existence of two Assembly constituencies named Tirupattur in Tamil Nadu had contributed to confusion.
Postal Ballot Allegation
- The petitioner alleged that one postal ballot intended for Tirupattur constituency No. 185 (Sivaganga) was wrongly sent to Tirupattur constituency No. 50 (Tirupattur district).
Court’s Finding
- The Court held that the allegation was not supported by sufficient material to establish:
- That the postal ballot was actually sent to the wrong constituency.
- How the alleged irregularity occurred.
- That it had a material effect on the election result.
Postal Ballot Safeguards
- The Court noted that constituency number, rather than merely the constituency name, is a key identifier. Form 13C contains details such as constituency number, name, district and address. Postal ballots are also handled through designated facilitation centres under Rule 18A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
Final Decision
- Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan allowed the TVK MLA’s application and rejected the election petition at the threshold, without proceeding to trial.