DMK MLAs PIL 'undoubtedly partly a political battle': HC

The Madras High Court today observed that a DMK MLA's PIL, seeking removal of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's portraits from public offices, is "undoubtedly partly a political battle" and directed respondent authorities to dispose of the petition within a month.
"This is undoubtedly partly a political battle. It may be relevant to note that there are Government Orders permitting display of portraits of eminent personalities in public offices and buildings," the first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Agarwal and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, said.
"We thus direct the respondent authorities to dispose of the representation of the petitioner, especially keeping in mind the aforesaid Government Orders, within a maximum period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order," it said.

Petitioner T R B Raja submitted that even after Jayalalithaa resigned as chief minister, all public offices, including in Thiruvarur district, continue to display her portraits as if she is the incumbent chief minister. Her photo is displayed behind the seat of each bureaucrat and also in meeting halls and public grievance counters, he said.
Apart from this, government websites are also creating an an impression that she is still head of the state government.
The MLA alleged that in all government welfare schemes, Jayalalithaa's photo is prominently and conspicuously affixed at the cost of the state exchequer.

He said he was shocked on seeing even law enforcing authorities like police themselves displaying her photos.

Pointing out that the January 7, 1978 Government Order allowed only certain portraits to be displayed, including that of the incumbent President, Prime Minister and Mahatma Gandhi and other six leaders, the MLA prayed for a direction from the court forebearing the authorities concerned from displaying the photographs.
He also sought an interim direction for removal of the photos and portraits of Jayalalithaa.
The AIADMK supremo attracted disqualification on being convicted in a wealth case by a court.