Chennai — In a significant interim ruling, the Madras High Court has restrained the Tamil Nadu government from naming any current or future public welfare schemes—whether new initiatives or rebranded versions—after living individuals. The court has also prohibited the use of portraits of former Chief Ministers, ideological figures, and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party’s flag, emblem, or insignia in any promotional material related to such schemes.
The order was passed by the First Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Sunder Mohan while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by AIADMK Member of Parliament C. Ve. Shanmugam. The petitioner had challenged the naming of the state’s outreach programme ‘Ungaludan Stalin’ (With You, Stalin), which prominently features the name of current Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Court Clarifies Scope of Interim Order
The Bench clarified that the interim order does not impede the implementation or launch of welfare schemes. Rather, it focuses on the naming conventions and associated publicity, based on prima facie observations made during the hearing.
“The restraint is limited to naming schemes after living individuals and the use of politically affiliated imagery in government promotions,” the court stated.
Notices Issued; Hearings to Resume August 13
The court has issued notices to the Tamil Nadu government and the DMK party, directing them to respond to the petition. The matter has been clubbed with a similar PIL filed by another individual, indicating the court’s intent to address the broader issue in a consolidated manner.
Both cases are slated for further hearing on August 13, following the submission of counter-affidavits and rejoinders by the parties concerned.
This interim order could have far-reaching implications for how political leadership and legacy are leveraged in public policy branding, particularly in states where welfare schemes are a cornerstone of governance and electoral identity.
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