Stalin’s Kolathur defeat stands after court rejects EVM challenge

MK Stalin's first defeat in Kolathur since 2011 led to a legal challenge over EVM verification, but the Madras High Court dismissed his writ petition as "not maintainable" on September 3, 2026. Stalin lost to TVK candidate VS Babu by 8,795 votes in the 2026 Assembly election, ending his winning streak in the constituency. He sought verification of 14 EVMs, alleging anomalies including a Control Unit failing to detect a Ballot Unit bearing his name, and requested 100% VVPAT counting. The Election Commission argued election results must be challenged through election petitions under Article 329(b) and the Representation of the People Act, not writ petitions. The court's ruling addresses procedural maintainability, not the merits of the EVM allegations, with a detailed order pending.