R.Vinoth v. The Government Of Tamilnadu

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 08.04.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.JOTHIRAMAN W.P.(MD)No.27105 of 2019 R.Vinoth ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Government of Tamilnadu, Rep. by its Principal Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

2.Tamilnadu State Election Commissioner, Rep. by Tamilnadu State Election Commissioner, No.282/2 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Arumbakkam, Chennai-600 106.

...Respondents

PRAYER:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 & 2 to include an option of 'None of the Above (NOTA)' for the upcoming Local Body elections for the year 2019 and for all the forthcoming Local Body elections.

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For Petitioner : Mr.Mahaboob Fazil For R1 : Mr.J.Ashok Additional Government Pleader For R2 : Mr.C.Balamurugan Standing Counsel

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.) The petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition seeking a direction to the respondents 1 & 2 to include an option of 'None of the Above (NOTA)' for the upcoming Local Body elections for the year 2019 and for all the forthcoming Local Body elections.

2. The second respondent filed a counter affidavit stating that proposals have been sent to the Government to issue suitable amendments to the Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Elections) Rules, 1995, to incorporate the "NOTA" option on EVMs/ballot papers and related forms, as provided under the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, 2023, vide letter Rc.No.214/2015/PE1, dated 07.06.2024.

3. As the proposal has already been sent, a direction is issued to the first respondent to bring about the necessary amendment in accordance with the proposal submitted by the Election Commission for 2/5

incorporating the NOTA option. The said exercise shall be completed within a period of six months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

4. In view of the above, this writ petition stands disposed of. [N.S.K., J.] & [M.J.R., J.] 08.04.2026 Index :Yes/No Internet :Yes am 3/5

To 1.The Principal Secretary, Government of Tamilnadu, Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

2.Tamilnadu State Election Commissioner, Rep. by Tamilnadu State Election Commissioner, No.282/2 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Arumbakkam, Chennai-600 106.

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N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.

AND M.JOTHIRAMAN, J.

am W.P.(MD)No.27105 of 2019 08.04.2026 5/5