In a blow to rebel AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed a March 9 order of the Delhi High Court that had instructed the Election Commission to grant him a 'temporary' party name and election symbol.
The Supreme Court said Dhinakaran can't use the 'pressure cooker' symbol that he had used during his successful campaign for the R.K. Nagar Assembly bypoll in December.
The Supreme Court order could restrict the activities of Dhinakaran's new party, Amma Makkal Munetra Kazhagam, which he launched two weeks ago.
The plea against the Delhi HC order was filed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palanisamy and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam.
The Delhi High Court had been hearing a case over ownership of the AIADMK's 'two-leaves' symbol involving the rival factions of Palanisamy/Panneerselvam and Dhinakaran.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court directed the HC to set up a two-judge bench to decide the case of ownership of the 'two leaves' symbol. The SC also asked the High Court to decide on the factional feud by April-end.
(With agency inputs)