Tamil Nadu: Anoop Jaiswal to handle law and order relating to LS polls

The Tamil Nadu Government on Thursday informed the Madras High Court that DGP (Elections) Anoop Jaiswal would handle all law and order matters relating to the April 24 Lok Sabha polls.

A submission to this effect was made by Advocate General AL Somayaji before the first bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Satish K Agnihotri and Justice M M Sundresh which reserved its orders on a petition filed by the DMK after the Election Commission said that it was satisfied with Jaiswal's appointment.

DMK had sought a direction to EC not to permit DGP (Law and Order) K Ramanujam continue as the administrative head of the police force till conclusion of poll process when Anoop Jaiswal has been specially appointed as DGP (Elections). The High Court had yesterday orally directed the EC to furnish details pertaining to appointment of Anoop Jaiswal as poll-time DGP for Tamil Nadu

When the PIL filed by TKS Elangovan, DMK's Organizing Secretary and candidate for South Madras came up before the bench today, G Rajagaopalan, senior counsel for the Election Commission submitted that EC has issued a circular in January to transfer all officials who have served in the same district for more than three years.

He submitted that all police officials, including DGP, would be ordered to be on deputation to EC for election duty and that all law and order issues pertaining to the polls would be handled by DGP (elections).

He rejected arguments of DMK counsel Shanmugasundaram that placing Ramanujam in some other post would contravene the Supreme Court orders as his appointment is based on the Prakash Singh Case. The appointment of new DGP can be made only through a panel.

He submitted that the EC is satisfied with the orders passed by Chief Secretary, appointing Jaiswal as DGP (Elections).

While agreeing with the contentions of EC, the bench observed that it is good that a person in the rank of DGP is appointed for Elections.

Advocate General Somayaji submitted that all law and order Problems relating to the polls would be taken care of by the DGP Elections.

After hearing the submissions, the Bench reserved it's orders.