CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has temporarily barred the Abdul Kalam Vision India Party from using the name and photo of the late president A P J Abdul Kalam in its political activity.
In her order issued on Friday, Justice S Vimala ruled that while the party may have good intentions, it was not right to use the name of the popular president for political purposes.
The Abdul Kalam Vision India Party was launched by V Ponraj, who used to be an adviser to the late president. It carried an image of Abdul Kalam on its flag. A litigant filed a civil suit challenging the party claiming that citizens might be misled to think that the party was endorsed by the late president.
The petition was initially submitted to the Election Commission in New Delhi but as there were a large number of petitions already being handled by the commission, the petitioner was asked to approached the court.
The final decision rests with the Election Commission.
Judge Vimala observed that though the legal heirs of a personality would have a claim to his or her legacy, the Executive would have to step in as the guardian of a legacy if attempts are made to exploit it.