Is Tamil Nadu Government Challenging the Ban on Ex-CM’s Name and Party Symbols in Government Ads?
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu government is taking action against a recent Madras High Court ruling that restricts the use of political figures in government advertisements. This move has sparked debate about the implications for welfare schemes aimed at aiding the disadvantaged. Will the Supreme Court side with the state's request?
Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu government contests High Court ruling
- Prohibition on using living political figures in ads
- Urgent hearing scheduled in Supreme Court
- Concerns raised about visibility in welfare schemes
- Potential implications for future government communication
New Delhi, Aug 4 (NationPress) The government of Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court in response to a ruling from the Madras High Court that prohibited the use of images of living individuals, former Chief Ministers, ideological leaders, or political party symbols in advertisements promoting government welfare initiatives.
After senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi presented the Tamil Nadu government's special leave petition (SLP), the Chief Justice of India (CJI) consented to schedule an urgent hearing for this week.
“This case is both urgent and unique. The Madras High Court has issued an order stating that no state government scheme can feature the name of the Chief Minister or any political figure. Why shouldn't we (the state government) be allowed to name a scheme? These initiatives are aimed at the welfare of the impoverished,” argued Rohatgi.
On July 31, the Madras High Court ruled that while it may be permissible to include photographs of the current Chief Minister, using images of ideological figures, former Chief Ministers, or party symbols in government schemes would violate the Supreme Court's directives.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Sunder Mohan was reviewing a public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by AIADMK MP C. Ve. Shanmugam. He claimed that the ruling DMK government was infringing upon guidelines set by the apex court by associating public welfare schemes with the name and image of the Chief Minister, alongside photographs of former party leaders and ideological icons.
In response to various directives from the Supreme Court regarding the regulation of government advertisement content, as well as the Election Commission of India's 2014 Guidelines on Government Advertisement (Content Regulation), the Bench led by Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava passed an interim order prohibiting the Tamil Nadu government from including the name of any living political figure or photographs of former Chief Ministers or ideological leaders from any political party in advertisements linked to welfare schemes.
“It is not permissible to mention the name of a living political personality in the naming of a government scheme. Furthermore, using the name of any ruling political party, along with its insignia/logo/emblem/flag, appears to be prima facie contrary to the directives of the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India,” stated the Madras High Court, clarifying that its order does not impede the launch or execution of government welfare programs.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the balance between adhering to judicial directives and ensuring the visibility of government initiatives aimed at public welfare. The Tamil Nadu government's appeal reflects a broader concern about how political representation influences welfare schemes, especially for those in need. Upholding the law while ensuring effective communication of government programs remains a challenge.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tamil Nadu government's current legal action about?
The Tamil Nadu government has filed a petition against a Madras High Court order that prohibits the use of images of living political figures and political party symbols in government welfare advertisements.
What was the Madras High Court's ruling on this matter?
The Madras High Court ruled that while the current Chief Minister's photograph may be used, featuring former Chief Ministers, ideological leaders, or party symbols in government ads is against Supreme Court directives.
Why does the Tamil Nadu government believe this ruling is problematic?
The Tamil Nadu government argues that the ban on using names and images of political figures undermines the visibility of welfare schemes that are crucial for the poor.
What does this case signify for government advertising?
This case highlights the ongoing conflict between political representation in government communications and the need for adherence to legal guidelines.
What are the potential implications of the Supreme Court's decision?
The Supreme Court's decision could set a precedent regarding the use of political figures in government advertisements, influencing how future welfare programs are communicated to the public.
