Madras High Court today ordered issue of notice to the Tamil Nadu Government and Election Commission on a petition by DMK seeking a direction to remove "two leaves" images painted on the recently launched small buses contending that it resembled the ruling AIADMK's symbol.
In his petition, DMK Treasurer M K Stalin has also sought a direction to the EC to initiate action against the AIADMK for alleged violation of Representation of People Act by "misuse" of public funds by way of using its party symbol "Two Leaves" in various government schemes, including 'small' buses.
Justice K K Sasidharan ordered notice to the state Chief Secretary and 12 other respondents returnable by November 26.
However, the Judge said he was not inclined to issue notice to Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa, AIADMK represented by her as its General Secretary, state Transport Minister V.Senthil Balaji, who were arrayed as Respondents 1 to 3 by petitioner.
The petition sought a direction to the state Chief Secretary, Election Commission and the state-owned Transport Corporations to initiate emergent action to remove the imprinting/Painting of two sets of "two leaves" on government properties, including small buses.
He alleged government property and the state owned vehicles were being used for promoting AIADMK symbol ever since the party came to power in 2011.
Senior counsel for petitioner, R.Viduthalai, wanted an interim order to be passed by the court to restrain the Government from launching mini buses with the symbol of AIADMK and to prohibit it from advertising party symbol "Two leaves" by misusing official machineries and public property.
State Advocate General A L Somayaji said the pictures of leaves on the buses were not the Two Leaves symbol as alleged by DMK. Such symbols were pained on 'green buses' in foreign countries for awareness against pollution, he contended.
Responding to a query from the court, he submitted that there was no proposal at present to launch similar mini buses elsewhere in the state.
The petition claimed that even at the memorial of late Chief Minister and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran, renovated recently at a cost of Rs 7.70 crore using state funds, the symbol of Two Leaves was put up at its entrance and it was removed "hurriedly" after the DMK moved the high court.
He said that all most in all government schemes, the two leaves symbol of AIADMK was displayed which he contended was violative of Representation of Peoples Act.
The petitioner said he was moving the court as there was no response to his complaint lodged with the Election Commission on the issue.
