Madras High Court Issues Circular Restricting Portraits in Courts, Controversy Ensues
In a recent development, the Madras High Court has sent a circular to all courts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, instructing them to display portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Thiruvalluvar only. The decision has sparked controversy and petitions from various Bar Associations seeking permission to unveil portraits of Dr. Ambedkar and senior advocates of the Bar Associations in courtrooms.
The request made by the lawyers’ association was met with disappointment during a meeting of the High Court judges on April 11. Following this, the High Court Chief Registrar, Jyothiraman, sent a circular to all District Courts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
In the circular, Jyothiraman referred to past incidents and advised against displaying pictures of anyone other than Mahatma Gandhi and Thiruvalluvar in courts. Violators of this order were warned of potential consequences and advised to lodge a complaint with the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Bar Council and take appropriate action.
Ramadoss, the founder of BAMA (Bar Associations for Minorities and Advocates), strongly disagrees with the decision and has asserted that the statues and portraits of Dr. Ambedkar should be allowed in the courts of Tamil Nadu. He emphasized, “It is not wrong to have statues and pictures of Ambedkar in places where the Constitution is protected.”
Adding fuel to the controversy, Thirumavalavan, leader of the Liberation Tigers Party, criticized the circular issued by the Registrar of Madras High Court. He claimed that it was intended to remove Ambedkar’s pictures and statues and accused the court of bias. Thirumavalavan stated, “The circular of the High Court Registrar is shocking. Ambedkar photographs have been published with the intention of disposing of them. The circular should be withdrawn; otherwise, a protest will be held.”
The restrictions on displaying portraits in the Madras High Court have unleashed a heated debate on social media platforms, with users expressing their opinions under the hashtag #PortraitPolitics. The issue has attracted attention nationwide, with many questioning the motive behind the circular and calling for a reconsideration of the decision.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Madras High Court will review its circular in light of the mounting pressure from various Bar Associations and public sentiment. The issue of representation in courtrooms and the preservation of historical figures’ legacies continues to be a hot topic, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition and progress in our society.