‘Absolute nullity’ file regarding CHP congress reaches the Court of Cassation: Review postponed until after September 1

The appeal process regarding the “absolute nullity” decision concerning the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress has moved to the Court of Cassation stage. The decision of the 36th Civil Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice has reached the 3rd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation for review.

It was reported that while registration and distribution procedures for the file can be carried out during the judicial recess, the substantive evaluation is expected to be addressed after September 1.

In the case in question, the appellate court had ruled for the cancellation of the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress due to “absolute nullity.” According to the decision, Özgür Özel and the party administration were removed from office as a precautionary measure, and it was decided that the general chairman prior to the congress, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, and the previous party bodies should continue their duties.

HOW DID THE LEGAL PROCESS BEGIN?

The lawsuit was filed upon the application of former Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lütfü Savaş and some delegates. The application alleged that money was distributed to delegates at the 38th Ordinary Congress to vote in favor of Özgür Özel.

In the court's decision, not only the 38th Ordinary Congress but also the extraordinary congresses held after this date, bylaw amendments, and regulations regarding the party program were deemed invalid from the beginning.

The “full illegality” application made by the Özgür Özel administration to the Supreme Election Council (YSK) was rejected in June 2026 on the grounds that the YSK does not have the authority to oversee judicial court decisions. The 3rd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation will make the final assessment during the appeal review.