Chief Electoral Officer N. Satyabrata Sahoo informed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday that steps were being taken to conduct the byelection to the Tiruvarur Assembly seat by February. The seat fell vacant following the death of DMK leader M. Karunanidhi on August 7.

In an affidavit, Mr. Sahoo said the bypoll would be held by February, in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Under the Act, a bypoll is required to be held within six months of a seat falling vacant.

For the Thiruparankundram seat, which fell vacant on August 2 following the death of A.K.Bose , the CEO said a decision would be taken once the High Court delivered its verdict in a case preferred by DMK candidate P. Saravanan.