Supreme Court Upholds Madras HC's Dismissal of PMK Symbol Petition

The Supreme Court supported the Madras High Court's rejection of PMK founder S Ramadoss's petitions regarding the use of the 'mango' symbol in Tamil Nadu elections. The court emphasized that civil courts, not the Election Commission, should resolve disputes over symbols of unregistered political parties. The PMK faces internal conflicts over leadership and symbol rights.

The Supreme Court on Monday endorsed the Madras High Court's decision to dismiss petitions by PMK founder S Ramadoss. These petitions sought to allow his faction to use the 'mango' symbol in the upcoming Tamil Nadu and Puducherry assembly elections.

The court declared that the Election Commission cannot resolve disputes involving symbols of unregistered political parties. It encouraged the aggrieved parties to file applications with civil courts for expedited judgments.

Ramadoss is engaged in a legal battle with his son Anbumani over control of the PMK's name, flag, and symbol. The court's ruling keeps the dispute over the 'mango' symbol unresolved, intensifying the internal party struggle.