₹100 Crore Gap in Disclosures: Madras High Court Issues Notice in Vijay Case

The Madras High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Income Tax Department on a petition alleging significant discrepancies in asset declarations of actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay , who is contesting the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections .

Hearing the matter, a division bench comprising Chief Justice S J Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arulmurugan observed that a difference of nearly ₹100 crore in declared assets across constituencies amounted to a “serious irregularity.” The court directed the Income Tax Department to file its response and posted the matter for further hearing next week .

The petition, filed by V Vignesh , a voter from Perambur, concerns affidavits submitted by Vijay, founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for two constituencies: Perambur and Tiruchirappalli (East). According to the plea, Vijay declared ₹115.13 crore in assets in his Perambur nomination papers, while stating ₹220.15 crore in filings for Tiruchirappalli (East), raising questions over consistency and transparency .

The petitioner argued that the discrepancy indicates possible suppression of facts and violates voters’ right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The plea also sought directions to the Election Commission of India and the Income Tax Department to scrutinise financial disclosures and income sources .

The case comes amid heightened political attention around Vijay’s electoral debut . His entry into politics through TVK has stirred public interest and is being closely watched by established parties, particularly for its impact on youth and urban voters .

Responding to the allegations, TVK leader C T R Nirmal Kumar dismissed the petition as “completely incorrect” and called for its immediate dismissal , criticising reports based on unverified information .

With polling day approaching, the court’s intervention adds a legal dimension to a high-profile contest , underscoring the importance of transparency in candidate disclosures and its impact on informed voter choice.