Case filed against Udhayanidhi Stalin over alleged use of minor in poll campaign
Tiruppur police have registered a case against DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for allegedly involving a minor in an election campaign in Dharapuram, officials said on Sunday.
The case was registered under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, they said.
According to police, the incident took place during a campaign rally near the Periyar statue in Dharapuram town on Saturday.
Udhayanidhi allegedly brought a minor boy onto a campaign vehicle and handed him a microphone. The boy reportedly made disparaging remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK leader C Joseph Vijay.
Dharapuram Town Police registered an FIR against Udhayanidhi under Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act and Section 83 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Officials said the alleged involvement of a child in election-related campaigning is also against Election Commission guidelines prohibiting children from participating in political or campaign activities.
Udhayanidhi had been campaigning for DMK candidate S Suganya ahead of the October 6 Dharapuram by-election. Campaigning for the bypoll ended on Sunday.
The police investigation is underway, officials said.
The DMK has not issued an official response to the case so far.
