Madras High Court stays conduct of election to South Indian Artists Association

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court today stayed the conduct of the July 15 election of office bearers to the South Indian Artists Association.

The court had yesterday reserved its orders on a petition filed by actors Vishal and Naseer seeking to declare as null and void the June 5 notification of the South Indian Artists Association (SIAA) for elections to the body.

They filed the petition finding fault with the manner in which elections were declared by the General Secretary Radha Ravi and President Sarathkumar.

They submitted that the SIAA had announced that the election for its office-bearers for 2015-2018 would be held on July 15, Wednesday, which is a working day.

They contended that it was well known that many artistes would be busy during working days and also travel to outdoor locations for shoots. Normally, in all cinema-related associations, the polls are held on the second Sunday as the entire industry is on a compulsory holiday that day.

They submitted they had written to the Association on June four to change the election date but there was no response.

The SIAA had submitted that election for the Association was in line with the bylaws.

Justice K Ravichandra Babu stayed the conduct of election after hearing the arguments of counsels appearing on behalf of SIAA and Vishal and Naseer.