Modifying its historic judgment last year, while deciding review petitions filed by various state governments, Supreme Court of India has now permitted the publication of photographs of the governors and the chief ministers of states in addition to those of President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India, in government advertisements. Further the publication of photographs of the concerned cabinet minister or minister in charge, both at the central and state level, has also been allowed.

With the above modifications, the bench comprising of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and PC Ghose has disposed of all the review petitions filed seeking review of the May 2015 judgment.

In May 2015, deciding a 12-year-old public interest litigation matter, the same bench had prohibited the use of photographs of politicians or leaders other than the President, Prime Minister or the Chief Justice of India, in print ads placed by the government. Bench had also directed the government to appoint a three-member panel of ombudsman to ensure the compliance of its directions.

The above direction were passed by the court in exercise of its inherent powers under article 142 of the Constitution of India.

While modifying its order, bench has observed that its all other observations/directions in the original judgment dated shall continue to remain in force.

Read the complete order here.

Mohit Singh

Mohit Singh is an advocate practising at the Supreme Court of India.

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Original author: Mohit Singh