HC tells EC to tackle poll code violators with iron hand in TN

Amidst reports that several political parties were trying to bribe voters ahead of the December 21 bypoll to the high-profile RK Nagar constituency, the Madras High Court on Monday directed the Election Commission (EC) to tackle those violating the model code of conduct with an iron hand.

The court direction came after DMK RK Nagar nominee Maruthu Ganesh filed a petition alleging that money to the tune of Rs 100 crore was distributed to the voters on the day EC Observer Vikram Bathra took charge.

In its counter, the EC submitted that the entire polling process would be webcast live on the EC's website.

While denying the petitioner's charge that money changed hands, the EC submitted that the DMK was trying to stall the poll process by making such allegations.

The poll panel also said more than 250 CCTV cameras were installed in the constituency and 15 companies of para-military force were deployed on poll duty.

After the EC assured that it was committed to holding a free and fair poll, the court treated the petition as closed.