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The Supreme Court questioned Tamil Nadu’s move to install Karunanidhi’s statue, asking why public funds should be used to should glorify leaders.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin pays tribute to his father and former state chief minister M Karunanidhi on his death anniversary (File photo: PTI)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the Tamil Nadu government’s move to install a statue of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, asking, “Why should public funds be used to glorify former leaders?”
The court asked the state government to withdraw its plea and approach the Madras High Court for appropriate relief.
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In its plea, the state government had sought permission to install a bronze statue of Karunanidhi near the public arch entrance of the Valliyoor Daily Vegetable Market, located on the Main Road in Tirunelveli district.
The court had dismissed the plea, as it upheld an earlier order of the Madras High Court that had denied permission for the installation.
Earlier, the Madras High Court had held that the state government cannot issue orders granting permission to install statues in public places.
“On account of heavy traffic congestion and other mitigating factors, the general public is put to hardship in the event of granting such permission to erect statues in public places,” the Madras High Court had said.
“The rights of the citizens, in all respects under the Constitution, are to be protected by the state,” it added.
“When the Supreme Court has passed an order not to grant any permission to install statues in public places, the state government cannot pass any orders granting any such permission,” the Madras High Court had said.
Muthuvel Karunanidhi (popularly referred to as Kalaignar) was a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu’s politics and played a crucial role in the Dravidian movement and the state’s political landscape.
He entered the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly by winning the Kulithalai seat in Tiruchirapalli during the 1957 election, alongside 14 other successful DMK candidates.
Karunanidhi was elected as the DMK treasurer in 1960.
Associated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), he served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu five times and held his position from 1969 to 1971, 1971 to 1976, 1989 to 1991, 1996 to 2001, and 2006 to 2011.
Known for his oratory skills, Karunanidhi worked for the rights of Tamil-speaking people and focused on social justice and upliftment of the marginalised.
He passed away on August 7, 2018, at the age of 94, after a prolonged illness.
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About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
September 23, 2025, 11:16 IST
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