SC says no to photos of politicos in govt ads; only PM, President and CJI can feature in them

New Delhi, May 13: Issuing fresh guidelines for advertisements issued by the government and its agencies, the Supreme Court on Wednesday prohibited the use of photographs of political leaders, including ministers, saying that it leads to promotion of personality cult.

The apex court bench, headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi, in its judgment, however, permitted the use of photographs of the President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and departed leaders, including Father of the Nation, in the advertisements issued by the government and its agencies.

The court said the use of photographs of an individual, leader or minister not only has a tendency to associate an individual with a project, but leads to a personality cult.

The court said this was a direct injustice to democracy.

These fresh guidelines were issued after two public interest litigation (PIL) were filed alleging that public money was being wasted on the hoardings and advertisements.

The court also said that if any such thing happens in future then it will be considered as misuse.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)