Big Blow To MK Stalin, Madras HC Bars Tamil Nadu Govt From Using CM's Names, Party Symbols in Welfare Scheme Ads

Big Blow To MK Stalin, Madras HC Bars Tamil Nadu Govt
From Using CM's Names, Party Symbols in Welfare Scheme Ads

The Madras High Court on Friday barred the Tamil Nadu government from using the name of the Chief Minister or his photograph in publicity material related to government welfare schemes. The court also reprimanded the DMK government for its choice of nomenclature for publicly funded initiatives.

The High Court, while hearing a petition filed by AIADMK MP CV Shanmugam, clarified that it was not issuing an order against the implementation of the schemes themselves but only objected to their nomenclature and promotional content that included names or images of living personalities.

The government welfare initiatives funded by public money should remain politically neutral in presentation, the HIgh Court observed.

Earlier, the petitioner sought a ban on the use of former CM M Karunanidhi’s image and the name ‘Ungaludan Stalin’ (Stalin with you) in the government advertisements and welfare schemes.

'Naming The Scheme After Incumbent CM Was In Violation Of SC Rulings 

Shanmugam argued that naming the scheme after the incumbent CM was in violation of Supreme Court rulings and the Government Advertisement (Content Regulation) Guidelines, 2014.

He further reasoned that such branding created undue political mileage at the expense of the public exchequer, citing schemes such as 'Ungaludan Stalin' and 'Nalam Kaakum Stalin Thittam', which carry the name of sitting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

P Wilson, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP, appearing on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, termed the petition politically motivated and ill-founded. He asserted the petition aimed at tarnishing the image of the ruling party - DMK and its leadership.

CM To Launch 'Nalam Kakkum Stalin' Comprehensive Health Camp

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will launch a comprehensive and specialised health screening camp for the people: 'Nalam Kakkum Stalin' on August 2, aiming to bring the latest diagnostic tools and consultation facility to the people's doorsteps.

Share on Google Plus

About Subrato Kumar

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.