Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Madras High Court Bars Use of Former CMs’ Photos in Ads
The Madras High Court told the Tamil Nadu government it can't put pictures of former leaders or party symbols in ads for welfare programs.
They also can't name programs after living people.
This is because the court wants to make sure government ads don't seem like they're promoting one party.
A politician complained that the current government was using the Chief Minister's name and image too much.
The court will review this again in August.
Madras High Court prohibits Tamil Nadu government from using images of former CMs in welfare scheme ads.
The court also bans the use of party symbols and living persons' names in scheme advertisements.
The ruling was in response to a petition by AIADMK MP C. Ve. Shanmugam.
Shanmugam contested the inclusion of Chief Minister Stalin's name in public outreach programs.
The next hearing for the case is scheduled for August 13.
- Who
- Madras High Court, Tamil Nadu government, AIADMK MP C. Ve. Shanmugam.
- What
- Madras High Court restricted Tamil Nadu government from using photos of former chief ministers, party symbols and names of living persons in ads for welfare schemes.
- When
- The interim order was issued on Thursday.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu, India.
- Why
- To comply with Supreme Court directives and content guidelines for government advertisements.
Government
Court
Official Publicity
Government
The material presented is "not government publications at all".
Court
The court ruled that the inclusion of living persons names and political insignias would violate legal norms.
- Court
- Madras High Court
- Petitioner
- C. Ve. Shanmugam
- Order Issued
- Interim Order
- Legal Basis
- Supreme Court Directives, Government Advertisement (Content Regulation) Guidelines, 2014
- Next Hearing
- August 13
Sources
Tamil Nadu Barred From Using Names Of Living Leaders For State Schemes
Tamil Nadu govt can’t name welfare schemes after living persons or use party symbols, High Court says
Don’t Use Names of Living Persons in Welfare Scheme Ads: Madras HC
