A petition has been filed with the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, seeking action against the DMK’s General Secretary over alleged unauthorized collection of Aadhaar and other personal data from the public under the banner of the party’s membership campaign, “Oraniyil Tamil Nadu.” The petitioner has also called for a ban on the collection of Aadhaar numbers, mobile numbers, and OTPs for political purposes.
ஓரணியில் தமிழ்நாடு என்ற பெயரில் பொதுமக்களின் ஆதார் எண்,OTP எண் கேட்பது அடிப்படை உரிமைக்கு எதிரான குற்றம்.
பொதுமக்களிடமிருந்து சட்ட விரோதமாக தனிநபர் விபரங்களை சேகரிக்கும் திமுகவினர் மீது நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க கோரி உயர்நீதிமன்ற மதுரை கிளையில் சிவகங்கை ராஜ்குமார் வழக்கு! திங்கள் விசாரணை! pic.twitter.com/vXysKoRixE— I.S.INBADURAI (@IInbadurai) July 19, 2025
The plea was filed by Rajkumar, a resident of Sivaganga district, who claims that DMK functionaries have been visiting homes as part of a state-wide drive to recruit members. According to the petition, party members have been requesting sensitive documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter ID, bank account copies, and mobile numbers from residents. Rajkumar alleges that those who hesitate or refuse are being intimidated with threats specifically that government welfare benefits, including the ₹1,000 monthly scheme for women, may be discontinued if they don’t cooperate.
He further claims that once people share their mobile numbers, they start receiving OTP messages, followed by notifications stating that they have been added as DMK members often without their consent. Stickers bearing the Chief Minister’s image and the campaign name are also reportedly being affixed to homes without permission.
The petition argues that using personal data, particularly Aadhaar information, for political recruitment or campaigning is not only unethical but violates constitutional rights, including the right to privacy and individual freedom. Rajkumar is requesting that,
- The DMK be prohibited from collecting Aadhaar and personal data for any political purpose.
- The data already collected be permanently destroyed.
- The Central Government and the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) investigate the matter.
- Appropriate legal action be taken against those responsible, including the party’s General Secretary.
The case is expected to be heard in court shortly.
(With Inputs From Dinamalar)
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