EPS Vs OPS: AIADMK Chief Moves Madras HC Against Expelled Leader

AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has approached the Madras High Court seeking to restrain expelled leader O Paneerselvam (OPS) from claiming to be the party coordinator and using the party’s two leaves symbol, flag, and letterhead.

During a hearing of a suit filed by Palaniswami, a bench of Justice R N Manjula issued notice to Paneerselvam and scheduled the matter for further hearing on October 6, 2023.

In his lawsuit, Palaniswami sought to prevent Paneerselvam from interfering with his role as the general secretary of the AIADMK. He requested a restraint on Paneerselvam’s continued claim as the AIADMK coordinator since his expulsion from the party in 2022.

The AIADMK Chief pointed out that the Election Commission had unequivocally recognized him as the general secretary, the highest-ranking position, and had published the amended bylaws and a list of office bearers on its official website.

He argued that Paneerselvam’s assertion of being the AIADMK coordinator was misleading and damaging to the party’s reputation, as there was no such position within the party anymore. Palaniswami asserted that Paneerselvam was deliberately misusing official letterheads and deceiving the public into believing that he still held the position of party coordinator.

Referring to OPS announcement of a statewide yatra, the AIADMK’s top leader expressed concern that the expelled leader might misrepresent and misuse the AIADMK’s name, illegally claiming to be the party coordinator.

Palaniswami stressed the importance of preventing Paneerselvam, the defendant, from claiming membership or leadership within the AIADMK party. He called for a permanent injunction against Paneerselvam and his supporters, prohibiting them from asserting their roles as AIADMK leaders and using the official letterhead, flag, and symbol of the AIADMK.

Since his expulsion, Paneerselvam has faced several legal defeats against Palaniswami.