Court to hear cases on DMK, AIADMK cash coupon allegations

TL;DR

Madras High Court agreed to urgently hear two writ petitions accusing DMK and AIADMK candidates of distributing cash coupons to voters ahead of Tamil Nadu polls.
Petitions claim DMK candidates issued ₹8,000 coupons generally, while AIADMK's Royapuram Mano allegedly gave ₹10,000 tokens in Chennai's Harbour constituency.
Hearing set for Friday signals quick judicial scrutiny of alleged poll bribery during 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign.

The story at a glance

The Madras High Court on Thursday agreed to hear two writ petitions on Friday accusing DMK candidates of distributing ₹8,000 coupons to voters and AIADMK candidate Royapuram Mano alias R. Manohar of handing out ₹10,000 tokens in Chennai's Harbour constituency. Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan accepted urgent listing requests from advocates A.P. Suryaprakasam and K. Raveendran. This comes amid preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Key points

First petition by advocate A.P. Suryaprakasam targets "many DMK candidates" for allegedly issuing ₹8,000 coupons to voters.
Second petition by advocate K. Raveendran accuses AIADMK's Royapuram Mano of distributing ₹10,000 tokens with QR codes at Harbour constituency.
Cases filed before the Madras High Court's First Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan.
Court accepted urgent hearing request on Thursday, April 16, 2026, scheduling both for Friday, April 17, if petitions are numbered by end of day.
Allegations supported by a photograph submitted showing tokens linked to the AIADMK candidate.

Details and context

Petitions describe coupons and tokens as voter inducements ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for 2026.
The DMK petition accuses candidates broadly, while the AIADMK case focuses specifically on Royapuram Mano in Chennai's Harbour area.
Urgent listing reflects advocates' push for immediate action, with the court agreeing provided administrative numbering is complete.
Article includes a litigant-submitted photo of tokens with QR code, alleging distribution on behalf of the AIADMK candidate.

Why it matters

Allegations of cash distribution highlight concerns over money's role in influencing Tamil Nadu elections, potentially undermining fair play between major parties DMK and AIADMK. Voters and candidates face immediate legal risks, as court scrutiny could lead to investigations or disqualifications if proven. Watch Friday's hearing for any interim orders or police directives, though outcomes remain uncertain until the bench rules.