High Court Greenlights Anbumani-Led PMK Council Meet, Snubbing S. Ramadoss’s Plea

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In a significant setback for PMK founder S. Ramadoss, the Madras High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to restrain his son, Anbumani Ramadoss, from convening a general council meeting. The ruling, delivered by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, clears the way for Anbumani to hold the meeting as planned, intensifying a power struggle within the party that has now spilled into the courts. This decision comes after an unconventional attempt by the judge to mediate a truce between the father and son failed.

The petition, filed by PMK general secretary Murali Shankar on behalf of S. Ramadoss argued that Anbumani’s tenure as party president ended in May. The plea cited a recent amendment to party bylaws that grants the founder, S. Ramadoss, the authority to assume the presidency and convene all party meetings. According to the petitioner, this made Anbumani’s meeting “illegal and unauthorized.” However, the High Court sided with Anbumani’s legal team, which contended that the general council alone has the authority to elect the president, and the meeting was being held in accordance with the party’s rules.

In a rare gesture, Justice Venkatesh had earlier invited both S. Ramadoss and Anbumani to a private meeting in his chambers to find a resolution. While Anbumani attended in person, his father, citing health reasons, participated via video conference. The mediation attempt, however, did not succeed, with sources indicating that the father was reluctant to engage in a discussion with his son. Following the failed talks, the judge dismissed the petition, stating that the dispute was a private matter between individuals and should be resolved in a civil court, not a writ petition.

The High Court’s ruling marks a crucial victory for Anbumani and his faction, who are now expected to proceed with their general council meeting. The outcome of this meeting, where a resolution to reappoint Anbumani as president is anticipated, will likely be a show of strength for his supporters. This ongoing family and political feud has created significant uncertainty within the PMK, a party with a strong vote base among the Vanniyar community, as it looks toward upcoming elections. The separate general council meeting called by S. Ramadoss, for a later date, will further highlight the deep divisions within the party.