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Synopsis

A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice NV Ramana today dismissed a plea filed by one PA Joseph praying for a direction to the Election Commission of India to freeze the AIADMK’s “Two Leaves” symbol. 

The bench also consisting of Justices Hima Kohli and CT Ravikumar slammed the petitioner and queried his counsel as to how much cost they should impose for dismissing such a dubious plea. 

Court remarked, "How much cost do you want us to impose? They have imposed 25,000, we will impose another 25,000. You are a busy body. You have no work. Dismissed."

Joseph approached the Supreme Court challenging the order of the Madras High Court whereby a cost of Rs 25,000 was imposed upon him for filing this PIL.

The High Court had noted that the plea was filed purely for publicity by the petitioner who claimed himself as the founder-president of J J Party.

Joseph sought a direction to the EC to consider his representation dated June 28, 2022, to take action against the rival groups of the AIADMK and freeze the “Two Leaves” symbol until the disputes between Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam is resolved. 

In his petition, Joseph made some allegations against Palaniswami and party’s leadership tussle, where the dominant group backing the former Chief Minister is pushing for him to take up the single leadership.

Case title: Joseph Vs Election Commission of India