The Madras High Court on Thursday granted an interim stay on proceedings before a city civil court in the ongoing leadership dispute within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). The court held that PMK general secretary Vadivel Ravanan must be made a party to the case and directed that the trial court should not proceed further without deciding his impleading plea.
Justice T V Tamilselvi passed the interim order while hearing a petition filed by Ravanan after the city civil court rejected his request to be impleaded in the case initiated by PMK founder S Ramadoss against his son, Anbumani Ramadoss.
Plea to Be Impleaded in Leadership Dispute
Ravanan approached the High Court seeking permission to be included as a party in the civil suit filed by S Ramadoss against Anbumani Ramadoss. The dispute relates to internal leadership issues within the PMK.
The city civil court had earlier declined Ravanan’s request to join the proceedings. Challenging that decision, he moved the High Court seeking intervention.
High Court’s Observations
During the hearing, Justice Tamilselvi noted that Ravanan currently holds the position of general secretary in the party and therefore has a direct stake in the matter.
The court observed:
“As on date, he (Vadivel Ravanan) is holding the post of general secretary of PMK. Considering his claim, he is the necessary party to the proceedings. Without considering his impleading petition, the trial court is not permitted to proceed with other application, otherwise it will lead to miscarriage of justice.”
Interim Stay and Notice Issued
In light of these observations, the High Court stayed the ongoing proceedings before the city civil court until Ravanan’s plea to be impleaded is considered.
The court also directed S Ramadoss, Anbumani Ramadoss, and the Election Commission of India to file their responses to Ravanan’s petition.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on April 10.
