A court in Tamil Nadu said PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss’s photograph should not be used without his consent. Hearing his petition against Dr Anbumani Ramadoss and PMK MLA candidates, the judge declined a total injunction due to timing but ordered that no fresh election campaign materials use his image from the date of the order.
India
-Krishna Kripa
A court in Tamil Nadu ordered that PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss’s photograph must not be used without consent. The direction came as Assembly election campaigning ended ahead of polling on April 23. XIII Assistant Judge Dharmaprabu M said respondents must stop releasing new campaign material using the photograph from the time of the order.
A court in Tamil Nadu said PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss’s photograph should not be used without his consent. Hearing his petition against Dr Anbumani Ramadoss and PMK MLA candidates, the judge declined a total injunction due to timing but ordered that no fresh election campaign materials use his image from the date of the order.
Dr S Ramadoss approached the court to block the use of Dr S Ramadoss’s name, fame, and photographs in election outreach. The respondents include Dr Anbumani Ramadoss and 18 PMK MLA candidates linked to Dr Anbumani Ramadoss’s faction. Dr S Ramadoss said the case was filed personally to protect privacy rights under the Constitution.
PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss privacy claim
In submissions, Dr S Ramadoss said the respondents were using photographs in ways that could confuse voters. Dr S Ramadoss argued that the images were being used to mislead the public and gain votes. Dr S Ramadoss asked for a complete injunction against such use during the election campaign period.
PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss order limited to new materials
The judge did not grant a total ban at this late stage of the election process. The court noted that campaign posters and other items were likely printed and shared already. The judge said recall or reprinting could cause inconvenience. The court also said it might affect accounted election expenses.
The court clarified that the restriction applies only going forward. The judge said it would not apply to any campaign material printed or circulated before the order. The judge said the limited step aimed to prevent election disruption. The court also sought to avoid prejudice to Dr S Ramadoss’s claimed fundamental rights.
PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss case next hearing date
Earlier, counsel for the respondents asked for time to file counters in the case. Counsel said the respondents were in the mid of serious campaigning. Counsel also said paperwork could not be arranged at the last moment. The court posted the matter to June 4 for filing counters and further hearing.
With inputs from PTI
