'Traffic' Ramaswamy moves HC on CM Jayalalithaa affixing thumb impression in poll papers

Chennai: Social activist Traffic K Ramaswamy on Thursday filed a petition in the Madras High Court, seeking to declare as “illegal and ultra vires of the Constitution” Chief Minister Jayalalithaa affixing her left thumb impression on poll papers. He claimed that affixing the thumb impression was a violation of the election code. The petition is, however, yet to be taken up by the court. [caption id=“attachment_3086340” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File photo of tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa. PTI[/caption] AIADMK candidates in Aravakurichi, Thanjavur and Thirupparankundram assembly segments had filed Forms A and B, featuring the left thumb impression of hospitalised party general secretary Jayalalithaa, instead of her signature. All three constituencies go to the polls on 19 November. AIADMK had sought permission from Election Commission, allowing Jayalalithaa to put her thumb impression in view of her health and the poll body had given its nod. Her thumb impression was attested by Professor of Minimal Access Surgery, Madras Medical College, Dr P Balaji and Dr Babu K Abraham of Apollo Hospitals who had signed the papers as a witness. Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on 22 September after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later the hospital said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support, among others.