Chennai, Nov 11: The Madras High Court has intervened in a plea filed by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) seeking the recognition of RB Udhayakumar as deputy leader of the opposition (LOP) and Agri Krishnamurthy as deputy secretary in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The case was brought before Justice Anita Sumanth, with the senior counsel Vijay Narayan representing the AIADMK.

The AIADMK argued that despite making multiple representations to the Speaker and Secretary of the Assembly for the recognition of Udhayakumar and Krishnamurthy, no action has been taken. The party contends that these appointments were made during a meeting of the AIADMK legislature party on July 17, 2022, where Udhayakumar was elected as deputy LOP and Krishnamurthy as deputy secretary. The positions were previously held by Manoj Pandian, a supporter of O Panneerselvam (OPS).

In response to the AIADMK’s submissions, Justice Anita Sumanth directed the Speaker and Secretary of the Assembly to respond to the plea. The matter has been adjourned until December 12, allowing the concerned officials time to provide their responses.

The crux of the AIADMK’s petition lies in the alleged inaction regarding the change in seating arrangements for expelled AIADMK members, including OPS. Despite communications sent to the Assembly’s secretary, the seating arrangements have reportedly remained unchanged. The AIADMK claims that the expelled members, including OPS supporters, have interfered in Assembly discussions, sitting alongside AIADMK members. This interference, according to the petition, hampers the effective functioning of the party members.