Social activist moves Madras HC on Jaya affixing her thumb impression in poll papers

 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. 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 November 19.

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 the Apollo Hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later the hospital said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support, among others.