The Madras High Court on Monday dismissed a fresh petition seeking a probe into the financial disclosures made by actor-politician Joseph Vijay in his election affidavit for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice Arul Murugan rejected the plea filed by Chennai resident MP Venkatesh.
The petition alleged suppression and misrepresentation of key financial details in Vijay’s Form 26 affidavit submitted for contesting from the Perambur constituency. It sought directions for a preliminary inquiry by authorities including the Income Tax Department, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and the Election Commission of India.
According to the petitioner, Vijay’s affidavit disclosed high-value financial transactions—such as loans worth several crores extended to family members and entities—while simultaneously declaring zero liabilities. This, it was argued, created contradictions and amounted to misleading disclosure in violation of statutory requirements.
The plea also highlighted specific transactions, including a loan exceeding ₹12 crore to his spouse and significant transfers to a trust, alleging that these lacked clarity regarding their nature and source. It contended that incomplete or inaccurate disclosures violate Section 33A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and infringe a voter’s fundamental right to make an informed choice under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
The petitioner sought a time-bound preliminary inquiry and a status report before polling.
However, the High Court declined to entertain the plea and dismissed it.
Notably, the Court is already hearing a separate petition raising similar concerns over discrepancies in two affidavits filed by Vijay. On April 20, the High Court issued notice to the Election Commission of India and the Income Tax Department in that matter, observing that more than ₹100 crore was allegedly not disclosed in one of the affidavits. That case remains pending.
Vijay is contesting the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections through his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, marking his electoral debut after launching the party in 2024. He is contesting from two constituencies—Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchi East.