A petition challenging the election of MK Alagiri of the DMK from the Madurai Parliamentary constituency, was dismissed by the Madras High Court on Friday.
“Election cannot be set aside on presumptions and surmises or conjectures. Clear and cogent proof in support of the allegations is essential. In this case, the evidence let in by the petitioner runs well short of establishing the charges levelled against the returned candidate, namely, MK Alagiri,’’ Justice V Dhanapalan said.
The election petition was initially filed by CPM leader P Mohan, who lost to Alagiri. Following his death A Lazar, another party functionary, pursued the case. Based on news paper reports, they levelled various allegations of corrupt practices allegedly resorted to by Alagiri. They also contended that he and his party-men had violated the model code of conduct and misused the official machinery during the election held in May, 2009.