In this election petition, the petitioner/defeated candidate questions the election of the second respondent in the general elections held for the 13th Lok Sabha, for Chidambaram (S.C. Parliamentary Constituency).

2. The Election Commissioner of India on 11.7.1999 announced the schedule of election as follows:-

Date of commencement of final nomination 11.8.1999.

Last date for filing nomination 18.8.1999.

Date of agreeing of nomination 19.8.1999.

Last date for withdrawal 21.8.1999

Date of polling 5.9.1999.

3. The petitioner being the convenor of Dalit Panthers of India contested the elections with the alliance of Tamil Manila Congress in Cycle symbol. He filed his nomination on 18.8.1999 for contesting in Chidambaram (SC Parliamentary Constituency), before the 6th respondent. The respondents 1 to 5 also filed their nominations. The second respondent was set up by Pattali Makkal Katchi (P.M.K.). After scrutiny of nominations, six candidates were declared as contestants.

4. After elections, counting of votes commenced on 6.10.1999 and the second respondent was declared as successful candidate for the Parliamentary Constituency. The respective candidates were declared to have secur