It is quite usual that central state governments start giving ultra-costly multiple full-page newspaper-advertisements for photo-publicity of political rulers especially at the end of financial year or before notification for general elections is issued, like is happening presently also. This is nothing but wastage of hard-earned money of tax-payers just for political gains of ruling parties.
Supreme Court once prohibited photos of Chief Ministers in government-advertisements, but later relented for allowing their photos subsequent to a review petition wherein argument was made that if photos of political ruler at the centre can be allowed, then it should be for political rulers of states also. Considering such massive spent on photo-publicity of political rulers,
Prime Minister should look into the matter, or otherwise Supreme Court should sue-motto once again review of its order whereby a total ban may be imposed on photo-publicity of political rulers at both the centre and in states.
Best is to allow photos of only President of India in government-advertisements. It may be recalled that the then Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam did not allow printing of his photographs in government-advertisements on 26.09.2013 released for providing an exclusive PIN code number 110201 for Supreme Court where he was the Chief Guest for the occasion.
SUBHASH CHANDRA AGRAWAL