SC allows Tamil Nadu govt to use former CMs’ photos in ads
The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the Madras High Court judgment, which had restrained the Tamil Nadu government from using the name ‘Stalin with You’ and pictures of former chief ministers for multiple platforms, and opined that such norms are followed throughout the country.
On Monday, the Tamil Nadu government had moved the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court order restraining advertisements for government welfare schemes from using the name of any living individual, photographs of former chief ministers and ideological leaders, or displaying any party insignia.
During today’s hearing, the Tamil Nadu government argued before the Supreme Court that various state governments across the country have launched schemes using the names of political leaders, and that there is no legal prohibition on such practices.
The DMK also told the court that no Supreme Court judgment bars naming schemes after political figures.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state, clarified that ‘Stalin with You’ is not a new scheme, but a digital platform to enable citizens to access various welfare benefits.
The Supreme Court raised questions over the maintainability of the original petition before the Madras High Court, observing that the petitioner had selectively challenged only this scheme.
“If the petitioner was so concerned, why didn’t he challenge all schemes named after political leaders from all parties?” the court asked.
The bench also noted that in earlier judgments, it had permitted the use of names and images of constitutional functionaries like the Prime Minister, President, and Chief Justice for government schemes.
“This is a phenomenon followed throughout the country,” the court said, while emphasising that courts should not be used to settle political scores.
“Don’t use courts to fight political battles,” it added.
The Supreme Court imposed a cost of Rs 10 lakh on the original petitioner, AIADMK functionary Shanmugham, noting that he had also attempted to cast aspersions on the Election Commission.