Why are statues of politicians being erected at public expense? In which case did the Supreme Court reprimand the Tamil Nadu government?

The Supreme Court on Monday reprimanded the Tamil Nadu government, categorically stating that public funds cannot be used to glorify former leaders. The court dismissed the government’s petition seeking permission to install a statue of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in Tirunelveli district.

The bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra took a stern stance during the hearing, asking, “Why are you using public funds to glorify your former leaders? This is not permissible.” The court also clarified that public funds should only be used for the public good, not to glorify political figures.

The state government wanted to install a statue of Karunanidhi

The state government had sought permission to install a bronze statue and a nameplate of Karunanidhi near the public entrance to the Valliyur Daily Vegetable Market in Tirunelveli district. Previously, the Madras High Court had made it clear that the state government could not issue orders to install statues in public places. The government had approached the Supreme Court challenging this order.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s decision

The Supreme Court dismissed the Tamil Nadu government’s petition, upholding the Madras High Court’s decision. The state government was directed to withdraw its petition and approach the High Court if it sought any relief.

The court also reiterated in its order that in a democratic system, leaders should be respected in the hearts of the people, not through statues and plaques built with public funds. The court made it clear that glorifying leaders with taxpayer funds is against the spirit of the Constitution and democratic principles.