Chennai Implements Strict Cash and Purchase Limits Under Election Code
With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) now active across Tamil Nadu, residents of Chennai face heightened scrutiny over financial transactions. Individuals carrying more than Rs 50,000 in cash or purchasing goods worth over Rs 10,000 are now prime targets for election enforcement squads. These teams have initiated random checks on roads, making it essential for citizens to possess valid documentation to safeguard their assets.
Documentation Requirements to Avoid Seizures
To prevent confiscation, people must present printed bills with a GST number for articles or withdrawal slips and transaction trails for cash. This stringent verification process will be the norm for the next five weeks, as authorities aim to curb illicit election funding and ensure transparency.
Process for Reclaiming Seized Valuables
If valid documents are not produced at the time of seizure, cash up to Rs 10 lakh will be deposited into the state treasury, specifically the strong room of the respective enforcement team. Genuine owners can then approach the concerned returning officer with a copy of the seizure mahazar and proper documentation to retrieve their valuables. For seizures exceeding Rs 10 lakh, the Income Tax Department will be notified, and a nodal officer deputed for each district will lead the inquiry.
Authorities Emphasize Preparedness and Grievance Redressal
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran advised, "People carrying large sums of money for hospital treatment, buying jewellery, or shopping must produce valid bills, reports, or supporting documents." He also highlighted a helpline at 1800 425 7012 for those feeling harassed by flying squads, encouraging individuals to record videos as evidence. On Monday, GCC deployed 48 flying squads in three eight-hour shifts, along with static surveillance teams for vehicle checks and 32 video surveillance teams to record violations. Complaints via the helpline or cVigil app are promised resolution within 100 minutes.
Enhanced Vigilance and Monitoring Efforts
GCC is ramping up its monitoring of social media for cash transactions, analyzing video proof, and tracking down violators. A dedicated 40-member online team has been established to handle social media complaints. Seizure reports are submitted nightly, with notable confiscations including Rs 1.29 lakh in the deputy chief minister's Chepauk constituency and Rs 1.16 lakh in Villivakkam. Three sensitive constituencies—Egmore, Anna Nagar, and T Nagar—will see increased night-time checks. Each flying squad carries authorization letters from district election officers and ID cards, which citizens can verify before surrendering money if seized.
Broader Enforcement and Impact on Trade
Customs officials at Chennai airport have intensified vigilance against smuggling of gold, narcotics, and foreign currency, following instructions for extra caution. However, traders express concerns that the low cash transaction limits could disrupt daily business. Vikrama Raja, president of Vanigar Sangangal Peramaippu, stated that a representation has been submitted to Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik to simplify the retrieval process for seized cash and articles. Traders are advised to carry items with proper bills to avoid seizures, and some have started printing the pledge 'My vote not for sale' on bills in supermarkets and grocery stores to promote electoral integrity.
