The Madras High Court on Wednesday directed the Income Tax Department and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to submit a status report regarding alleged financial discrepancies in the election affidavit filed by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan issued the order while hearing a petition filed by R. Kumaravel, a resident of the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency. The plea seeks a comprehensive investigation into the assets declared by Udhayanidhi Stalin in his nomination papers for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
The petitioner alleged that a comparative analysis of the Deputy CM’s 2021 and 2026 election affidavits reveals significant inconsistencies. Specifically, the plea claims that over ₹7 crore in investments previously declared have “disappeared” without adequate explanation in the current filings.
Kumaravel’s petition urged the court to direct the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Returning Officer for the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency to meticulously verify the minister’s financial disclosures, including his sources of income, recent transactions, and statutory filings.
Recognizing the gravity of the allegations involving a high-ranking public official during an active election cycle, the High Court has sought a detailed report from the Director General of Income Tax (Investigation). The bench has also roped in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to examine any corporate interests or filings related to the disclosures.
The case has been scheduled for a further hearing on April 20, just days before the state goes to the polls.
Udhayanidhi Stalin is seeking re-election from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni assembly seat in Chennai. The legal challenge comes at a critical juncture as Tamil Nadu prepares for the general elections to its 234 Assembly constituencies, which are scheduled to be held on April 23.
The High Court’s move to involve central investigative agencies underscores the judicial emphasis on transparency and the accuracy of financial declarations made by candidates in the electoral fray.
