AIADMK MLAs disqualification: Madras HC to give verdict today

The 18 AIADMK MLAs were disqualified on September 18 last year under the anti-defection law after they met the Governor and expressed the loss of confidence in Chief Minister K Palaniswami.

The Madras High Court will Thursday deliver the verdict in the case relating to the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs, owing allegiance to rebel leader T T V Dhinakaran.

Justice M Sathyanarayanan heard the pleas after a bench of then Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar gave a split verdict on the matter on June 14.

The 18 AIADMK MLAs were disqualified on September 18 last year under the anti-defection law after they met the Governor and expressed the loss of confidence in Chief Minister K Palaniswami.

In view of the split verdict with Indira Banerjee upholding the disqualification and Justice Sundar setting it aside, Justice S Vimala was appointed to hear the petitions afresh.

However, the apex court named Justice Sathyanarayanan, while declining to accept a prayer of the disqualified MLAs who raised apprehension of "bias" and sought to transfer the matter to the apex court.