NationalSaturday, 5 September 2026·The Hindu - National
EC disqualifies former Velachery MLA Aassan Maulaana for 3 years over election expense violation
The Election Commission barred J.M.H. Aassan Maulaana from contesting elections for three years from August 2026 under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2026, the Election Commission of India disqualified J.M.H. Aassan Maulaana, the 2021 Velachery MLA from Chennai, for 3 years after finding that his election expense account under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 was not true and correct.
Key specifics
- He was elected from the Velachery Assembly constituency in Chennai on a Congress ticket in the 2021 Assembly elections.
- The disqualification period is 3 years from August 2026, and it bars contesting elections to Parliament, a State Legislative Assembly, or a Legislative Council.
- He declared ₹17,03,548 as election expenditure with the District Election Officer, Chennai, on May 24, 2021.
- The DEO’s scrutiny report on June 19, 2021, found an understatement of ₹32,05,915 linked to advertisements in 10 newspapers.
- The EC said the total expenditure became ₹49,09,463, exceeding the then ceiling of ₹30.80 lakh under Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
Exam lens
Polity and election-law question, key terms: Representation of the People Act, 1951; Rule 90, Conduct of Election Rules, 1961; expenditure ceiling ₹30.80 lakh; disqualification for 3 years. TNPSC may ask who can bar a candidate for false election accounts.