HC declines to stay order on statue removal

Madras High Court today declined to stay its order directing the Tamil Nadu Government to decide on removal of the statue of thespian late Sivaji Ganesan from a busy road junction off the famous Marina Beach here.
A division bench comprising Justice Satish K Agnihotri and Justice K K Sasidharan rejected the prayer for stay by advocate S Prabakaran, appearing for a Sivaji Ganesan fans club which filed a review petition against the order.
"We have directed the government to take a decision in the matter, as expeditiously as possible. There is no question of stay of operation of the order," the bench said.

Passing the order yesterday on a PIL which sought removal of the statue contending that it hindered traffic, the bench had said said that there was no dispute that the leaders and stalwarts should be respected in an appropriate manner.
"By erecting statues on the middle of public road, by giving difficulties to the motorists and general public, actually we are showing disrespect to such distinguishing personalities."
It had directed the authorities to take a decision on removing the statue in accordance with the court's adverse comments "as expeditiously as possible".