Madras HC Restrains DMK from OTP-Based Verification in ‘Oraniyil Tamil Nadu’ Campaign

The Madras High Court on Monday issued an interim order restraining the ruling DMK from sending one-time password (OTP) verification messages as part of its statewide 'Oraniyil Tamil Nadu' enrolment campaign. The restriction will remain in force pending the court's examination of concerns relating to personal data protection and privacy.

A PIL (public interest litigation) has been filed by one  Rajkumar of Sivaganga district alleging that DMK cadres are collecting sensitive personal information, including Aadhaar numbers, voter‑ID details, bank passbook data and mobile numbers, under the guise of political enrolment. The petitioner claimed that OTPs were used to verify mobile numbers and that members were being coerced, with threats of depriving scheme benefits if they refused.

According to petitioners, vulnerable individuals, especially women, were told their government‑assistance would be blocked if they didn’t comply. This allegedly violated provisions under the Aadhaar Act and fundamental privacy rights.

The bench, comprising Justices S. M. Subramaniam and A. D. Maria Clete, underscored that while digital political membership drives are becoming common, they raise novel issues around data storage, informed consent and the privacy of political affiliation.

As an interim measure, court restricted only the use of OTP‑linked verification; the overall campaign may continue.

Court has directed DMK, the central and state governments, UIDAI, and the Election Commission to file affidavits detailing the campaign’s data‑handling policy, infrastructure, consent mechanisms, and legal compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

The next hearing is scheduled in two weeks.

Case Title: Rajkumar vs State of Tamil Nadu and Others

Order Date: July 21, 2025

Bench: Justices S. M. Subramaniam and A. D. Maria Clete