SC reviews its judgment on Govt ads, permits photos of CM, Governor and Cabinet Ministers

With the country readying for elections to Legislative Assemblies of 5 States, the Supreme Court today modified its judgment regulating government advertisements..A Division Bench comprising Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose pronounced its order today reviewing its judgment of May 13, 2015. As per the new order, photographs of Chief Ministers and Governors of States can also be used in government ads. Further, in the place of Prime Minister’s photo, the concerned Cabinet Minister’s photo can be used. Likewise, State Cabinet Minister’s photo can be used in the place of Chief Minister’s photograph..In the judgment delivered on May 13 last year, the Court had ruled that photographs of political leaders should not be carried in government advertisements which are published using funds from government exchequer. However, exception has been carved out for Prime Minister, President and Chief Justice of India whose photographs can be used in such advertisements. In its order today, the court said that it is modifying its May 13 judgment to the following extent:.“(i) The exception carved out in paragraph 23 of the aforesaid judgment dated 13th May, 2015 permitting the publication of the photographs of the President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of the country, subject to the said authorities themselves deciding the question, is now extended to the Governors and the Chief Ministers of the States..(ii) In lieu of the photograph of the Prime Minister, the photograph of the Departmental (Cabinet) Minister/Minister In-charge of the concerned Ministry may be published, if so desired..(iii) In the States, similarly, the photograph of the Departmental (Cabinet) Minister/Minister In-charge in lieu of the photograph of the Chief Minister may be published, if so desired.”.All other observations/directions in the May 13 judgment shall continue to remain in force subject to the above modifications..Read the order below.