JUDGMENT

These original applications have been filed for the following relief:

(i) O.A.No.560 of 2021 to strike off Paragraph Nos.7 to 27 & 29 in the Election Petition No.17 / 2016 as unnecessary, frivolous, vexatious and not existing or surviving as on this date, in view of the applicant's term as Returned Candidate from No.215, Tiruchendur Constituency has come to an end due to the General Tamil Nadu State Assembly Election held in the month of 6th April, 2021.

(ii) O.A.No.561 of 2021 to reject the Election Petition No.17 of 2016 filed by the petitioner and consequently, dismiss the same.

(iii) O.A.No.562 of 2021 to dismiss E.L.P.No.17 of 2016 as infructuous in view of 16th General Election held for Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly including for the Tiruchendur Assembly Constituency on 6th April, 2021.

For the sake of convenience, the array of parties in the original applications have been adopted.

2. The first respondent / election petitioner has filed ELP No.17 of 2016 under Sections 80, 80A, 81, 83, 84, 100 (1)(d)(i), 125A of Representation of Peoples Act 1951 [in short “RP Act”], Rules 4, 4A, 8 and 10 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 196