SC rejects Tamil Nadu govt’s plea to install Karunanidhi statue using public funds

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the Tamil Nadu government's plea to install a bronze statue of former CM Karunanidhi in Tirunelveli district. The development comes amid ongoing debates on the use of public spaces and taxpayer money for memorials dedicated to political figures.

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vikram Nath observed that the state government cannot use public money for the glorification of former leaders. “It is not permitted. Why are you using public funds for glorifying your former leaders?” observed a two-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Prashant Kumar Mishra in its order.

The bench asked the state government to withdraw its plea and approach the Madras High Court for appropriate relief. Earlier, the High Court had ruled that the state government cannot issue orders granting permission to install statues in public places.
The state government had sought permission to install a bronze statue and name board of the late leader near the public arch entrance of the Valliyoor Daily Vegetable Market, located on the Main Road in Tirunelveli district. However, the apex court dismissed the plea, upholding an earlier order of the Madras High Court that had denied permission for the installation.

While refusing to allow the use of public funds for the statue, the Supreme Court asked the Tamil Nadu government to withdraw its Special Leave Petition (SLP) so it could approach the High Court for appropriate relief, if necessary.