The Election Commission of India has directed the Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, to provide a report on a complaint lodged by Changeindia, a centre for advocacy and research, regarding the thumb impression of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa that was affixed on nomination forms during the elections to the Thanjavur and Aravakurichi constituencies and the Thirupparankundram byelection.
Jayalalithaa’s thumb impression was affixed on Form B of the candidates’ nomination forms when she was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals. Claiming that there was strong suspicion about the integrity and genuineness of the thumb impression on the forms, Changeindia had sought a detailed independent inquiry from the EC. The complaint was forwarded by the EC to the State CEO for “a report and remarks”.
Rajesh Lakhoni, CEO, Tamil Nadu, told The Hindu that the Returning Officer was a quasi judicial authority and his orders on accepting nomination papers could be appealed only in the High Court.