A public interest litigation petition has been filed before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to ban the practice of bringing school and college students to meetings to mark the birth centenary of MGR.
The petitioner, M. Selvam of Theni, said that elaborate arrangements were being made for the MGR centenary celebration to be held in Bodivilakku, Theni, on November 5. Plans were also on to erect flex boards and banners with images of present leaders and include school and college students in the public meeting.
Though the Principal Bench had passed an interim injunction against the State government and the school education authorities from bringing school children to attend the MGR centenary public meetings, schools and students in Theni were being informed to be a part of the centenary celebration, said the petitioner
The Principal Bench had also banned the use of flex boards and banners with pictures of living persons but a huge amount of money was being spent on banners, cut outs, flex boards and sign boards with images of current leaders of the party, the petitioner claimed.
The venue lacked in basic amenities and did not have proper roads. However, approach roads were readied only to ply the vehicles of politicians. Though a representation was made to the Theni Collector no action had been taken in this regard, he said.
Taking up the petition for hearing on Tuesday, a division bench of Justices M. Venugopal and Abdul Quddhose directed the respondents — Chief Secretary and Director General of Police — to file their counters and posted the case for further hearing on November 3.