Petition seeking action against CM for code violation filed

May 20 : Taking exception to an unannounced bus fare reduction before the election, a writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking action against the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and Transport Secretary for poll code violation.

Social activist Traffic K R Ramaswamy, in his petition yesterday, said while the Lok Sabha elections were scheduled to be held on May 13, transport corporations started collecting lower fare from passengers from April 30.

''Since this secret bus fare reduction was offered with a view to influencing voters and securing votes in the elections, it was ex facie violation of model code of conduct,'' he said.

The Election Commission should conduct a detailed inquiry in the matter and take appropriate action against the authorities, including the Chief Minister, Ramaswamy contended.