In his petition, the minister alleged that on March 22, a flying squad of the EC, without any prior intimation, barged into his house and started searching it stating they had information that free dhotis and sarees had been stocked for distribution.

The search was videograped and went on for more than one hour after which the officials informed that nothing as alleged was found in his house and left the place.He further alleged that the said videograph was “strangely telecast on the AIADMK-backed Jaya TV.

When the matter came up before a Division Bench, comprising Justice Elipe Dharma Rao and Justice M Venogopal, senior counsel for the petitioner,  Viduathalai,  sought an interim injunction. The case has been posted for hearing for March 28.