Seized ₹599 Crore Ahead Of 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections: ECI Tells Madras High Court In Plea Alleging Corruption By Political Parties

The submission was made before the bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan.

"Since the activation of the Election Seizure Management System [February 2026], a total amount of Rs. 599.24 (Rupees Five Hundred Ninety Nine Crores and Twenty Four Lakhs only) was seized by the 2283 Flying Squad Teams and 2221 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) in Tamil Nadu till 22nd April, 2026," the ECI said.

The PIL alleges corrupt practices by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, and the All India Anna Dravida Kazhagam (AIADMK) party during the 2026 elections.

The court had previously issued notices to all the three parties.

In its counter, the ECI submitted that it had put in several additional measures for monitoring election expenditure and to prevent the distribution of money. It further submitted that allegations of electoral bribery and inducement of voters were already dealt with under Section 170 and Section 173 of the BNSS, and it is also a ground to challenge the election under Section 100(1)(b) of the Representation of People Act. It was further submitted that any remedial action has to be sought only according to the existing legal framework.

Significant to note that the plea also objects to the alleged use of children for election campaigning by TVK, which has now formed the alliance-government. During a previous hearing, the court had expressed its reservations against such a practice.

In its counter, the ECI submitted that children could not be employed in election-related activities, whether by the official side or by political parties. The ECI also submitted that a press release was issued on February 5, 2026, reiterating the instructions and asking the parties to refrain from using children in political campaigns in any manner.

At the same time, the ECI also pointed out that no particular or direct allegation has been made with respect to use of children. The ECI submitted that when all voters were adult individuals who were capable of making their own decisions, it could not be presumed that there was any indirect pressure to vote for any particular party.

The ECI also informed the court that suitable guidelines would be put in place, if necessary, to examine the desirability of permitting campaigns addressed to children who may persuade their parents and other elders at home. The ECI thus submitted that the present plea could be taken as a representation and disposed of accordingly.

Case Title: Vasuki L v The Election Commission of India and Others

Case No: WP 20247 of 2026