Norms duly followed in coop polls, Additional Advocate-General P H Arvindh Pandian tells Madras HC

CHENNAI: The poll process and schedule are duly followed in the elections to cooperative societies and the petitions challenging them are not maintainable since an alternative remedy is available to the aggrieved persons, Additional Advocate-General P H Arvindh Pandian told the Madras High Court on Wednesday.The AAG made the submission when a batch of writ petitions from candidates for posts in 12 cooperative societies came up for hearing before Justice T Raja. 

The procedure and the schedule have been followed at every stage of the elections, the AAG said and demonstrated before the judge by producing the forms relating to Thakkolam Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credits Society in respect of a candidate C Ashok Kumar.

Citing various judgments of the Supreme Court and the High Court, he submitted that the petitions were not maintainable because there was an alternative remedy available to the aggrieved parties. As per Rule 19 of the TN Cooperative Societies Rules, the aggrieved person has to approach the Registrar to redress his grievance after declaration of the results. If the facts were in dispute and if an alternative remedy was available, writ would not be necessary. The arguments will continue on April 5.

‘Ensure smooth conduct of Ramanujar fete’
Chennai: The Madras High Court has directed the government to take steps for the convenience of the pilgrims who will congregate on the occasion of the 1,001st birth anniversary of Ramanujar at Sriperumbudur from April 12 to 22.The measures included crowd control, maintenance of law and order, erection of temporary sheds and toilets, the bench said.ENS