₹100 crore gap in Vijay's election affidavit? Madras High Court calls for response from actor, ECI

The Madras High Court on Monday issued notice to actor-politician Vijay, Election Commission of India and the Income Tax Department on a plea alleging discrepancies in the election affidavits filed by him for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections [V Vignesh Vs Director General Income Tax].

A Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadikari and Justice Arul Murugan sought their responses after the petitioner alleged inconsistent disclosures in the two affidavits filed by the actor.

"This is an irregularity. More than 100 crores not disclosed in one of the constituencies. One week [for instructions]. Private party notice process as well as private notice."

Vijay is contesting the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections through his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, marking his electoral debut after launching the outfit in 2024. He has filed nominations from two constituencies, Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchi East.

The petitioner, one V Vignesh, contended that Vijay's Form 26 affidavits are marked by inconsistent disclosures.

It was pointed out that the value of movable assets was declared as ₹224 crore in Tiruchi East affidavit while in the affidavit filed from the Perambur constituency, the value was shown as ₹105 crore.

The difference of over ₹100 crore was not disclosed in the Perambur affidavit, it was alleged.

Taking note of this, the Court orally remarked that such a discrepancy constituted an “irregularity,” particularly given the magnitude of the variation.

The Court did not express any final view on the merits of the allegations. It issued notice to all the respondents and granted time for response.

The matter will be taken up for further hearing after the respondents file their replies.