Supreme Court issues notice to UP government on statues issue

New Delhi, June 29 (ANI): A vacation bench of the Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh Government for allegedly misusing public money to install statues of prominent Dalit leaders like herself, Dr B R Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and the party's elephant symbol.

The vacation bench heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati. The PIL is seeking a stay on the further inauguration of these statues on July 3.

The petitioner has alleged that the multi-crore projects of installing statues are being carried out as part of state policy, which is arbitrary and violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

The PIL also sought the removal of statues of Mayawati and all party symbols from public places.

Mayawati had unveiled 15 statues, which include that of party founder Kanshi Ram and six of herself on June 25.

Delhi-based lawyer Ravi Kanta, who filed the PIL, said every action taken by the Uttar Pradesh Government must be seen to be in the public interest. The arbitrary actions of the State Government must be invalidated, he added.

Mayawati, her party and the state's Chief Secretary were named respondents in the PIL. (ANI)