Accepted Jaya’s thumb imprint on 3 nomination papers: EC to Madras High Court

The Election Commission of India on Friday told Madras High Court that it had accepted the nomination papers of three AIADMK candidates in the assembly bypoll last year, affixed with the then Chief Minister and party chief J Jayalalithaa’s thumb impression as it was endorsed by party presidium chairman E Madhusoodanan’s letter.

The commission’s senior principal secretary K F Wilfred, who appeared in person before the high court, said the commission accepted the nomination papers affixed with Jayalalithaa’s thumb impression since it was validated by the party presidium chairman. However, he said the letter did not contain documents or details explaining the health condition of Jayalalithaa.

The court has directed government doctor Dr P Balaji, who attested the thumb impression of Jayalalithaa, to appear on October 27.

Wilfred was asked to give evidence in a case related to affixture of Jayalalithaa’s thumb impression on documents related to Tirupparankundram Assembly bypoll held in November last year. P Saravanan, DMK candidate for Tirupparangundram assembly constituency, challenged the election of AIADMK candidate A K Bose, alleging that Jayalalithaa was not conscious to either sign or affix a thumb impression on the poll papers in her capacity as the general secretary of the party.