The Supreme Court on 22 September 2025 rejected the Taamil Nadu DMK government’s plea to use public funds for installing a statue of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in Tirunelveli district.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Prashant Kumar Mishra ruled that public money cannot be used to glorify former leaders. “It is not permitted. Why are you using public funds for glorifying your former leaders?” the bench observed.
The state had sought permission to place a bronze statue and name board near the public arch entrance of the Valliyoor Daily Vegetable Market on the Main Road. The apex court dismissed the plea, upholding the Madras High Court’s earlier decision, which had also denied permission for such installations.
The High Court had cited public inconvenience, including traffic congestion, as a reason for its ruling. It noted that permissions to erect statues in public spaces often create hardships for citizens.
Senior advocate P. Wilson, representing the state, requested clarification regarding the arch, which was not specifically challenged, but the Supreme Court declined to entertain the submission and dismissed the appeal.
The bench advised the Tamil Nadu government to withdraw its Special Leave Petition (SLP) and, if necessary, approach the High Court for appropriate relief.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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