EPS, OPS move Madras High Court against sealing of AIADMK headquarters

The seal was affixed fearing creation of law and order problems and to maintain peace and tranquility in the area

AIADMK office being sealed after two groups of suspected AIADMK workers clashed outside the party headquarters in Chennai, Monday, July 11, 2022. Credit: PTI Photo

A day after the party headquarters was sealed by revenue authorities following violent clashes, AIADMK interim general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and expelled leader O Panneerselvam knocked at the doors of the Madras High Court seeking to remove the seal from the premises.

Palaniswami and Panneerselvam contended that the premises belonged to them and sought an urgent hearing. Palaniswami’s camp moved to the High Court in the morning seeking removal of the seal, while Panneerselvam filed a petition in the afternoon. They are likely to be heard on Wednesday.

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Revenue authorities sealed the AIADMK headquarters on the Avvai Shanmugham Salai in Chennai on Monday under Section 145 of CrPC (disputed property) following violent clashes between the supporters of EPS and OPS. OPS, who occupied the premises for over two hours, left only at the instance of government officials who asked him to vacate the place.

While the AIADMK accused the DMK of siding with OPS, the ruling party dismissed the allegations. The factions led by EPS and OPS also filed complaints against each other with the police of violence and assault. Police have so far booked 400 persons in connection with Monday’s violence inside and outside the AIADMK headquarters.

As the situation remains tense, police beefed up security outside the residences of OPS and EPS in Chennai. Security has also been tightened outside the AIADMK HQ.

Meanwhile, Palaniswami and Panneerselvam wrote to a private bank in which the party maintains its accounts. Palaniswami informed the bank that the party has a new treasurer in Dindigul C Sreenivasan in place of Panneerselvam and that the former should be recognized as the signing authority.

However, in a separate letter, Panneerselvam said the bank should not allow Sreenivasan or any other person authorized by him to access the accounts as he is still the coordinator of the AIADMK as per the records of the Election Commission of India.

“In spite of this, if you allow any other person other than me to operate the aforesaid accounts in the name of AIADMK, you will be held responsible for any misuse or misappropriation of accounts,” he said.