Madras High Court Refuses Interim Stay on ECI Orders De-Registering Political Parties

The Madras High Court refused to grant interim relief to political parties challenging their de-registration by the Election Commission of India for not contesting elections for six consecutive years.

The Court said staying the ECI’s orders would effectively restore their registered status and allow them to contest upcoming Assembly elections, which would amount to granting final relief at the interim stage.

It noted that the parties had admittedly not participated in parliamentary or Assembly polls during the six years and held that the balance of convenience was not in their favour.

The batch of petitions has been listed for final hearing in March 2026.

[Tamizhaga Makkal Munnertra Kazhagam v. Chief Election Commissioner]