Declining relief to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on a petition challenging his election to Lok Sabha, the Madras High Court Bench, however, on Thursday struck down two charges against him of distribution of cash and involvement of bank and government staff as polling officials.

Disposing of Chidambaram's petition seeking dismissal of the election petition, the court said the averments including alleged corrupt practices pertaining to dispatch of money, other illegalities and irregularities committed on the date of counting as alleged by the losing AIADMK candidate R S Raja Kannappan "do not require to be struck off at this stage".

Asking Chidambaram to face the case, Justice K Venkataraman, in his order, however, struck down allegations against Chidambaram regarding distribution of cash and intimidation of voters and involvement of Karthi Chidambaram as his active agent.

The court also struck down the allegation that the returning officers "were ready-made designed for ensuring the victory of Chidambaram."

Kannappan had alleged that the returning officers enlisted for election duty were officials from nationalised banks and they owed allegiance and loyalty to the Minister, who was incharge of Finance.

The judge, however, said Chidambaram would have to face the case regarding the other allegations in the election petition and they could not be struck down now.

Seeking setting aside of Chidambaram's election, Kannappan had alleged the minister had secured victory by corrupt practice and by bringing undue influence in his capacity as Union Minister.

Also read: Govt, Cong come in defence of Chidambaram