No charges against CM’s secretary Umanath: Election Commission

Tamil Nadu: The Election Commission told the Chennai High Court that there are no allegations against Chief Minister’s Secretary Umanath.

Mohandas, in a petition filed with the Chennai High Court, stated that Tamil Nadu will hold assembly elections on April 23rd. The Election Code of Conduct is in effect. Chief Minister’s Secretary Umanath is acting in a manner that violates the Code of Conduct. After the announcement of the elections, government officials will come under the Election Commission’s control. However, Umanath continues to act as the Chief Minister’s Secretary and is issuing orders to district magistrates and police officers. Therefore, he sought an order from the Election Commission to take action against him.

When the case came up for hearing on Friday before a bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arulmurugan, the High Court had already ruled that the public interest petition filed by the Election Commission regarding the transfer of officials was not maintainable.

There are no allegations against the Chief Minister’s Secretary. The petitioner has not presented any evidence to support the allegations. This case has been filed out of fear. It was stated that time is needed to respond to the petition. Accepting this, the judges adjourned the hearing until April 21st.