Madras HC Refuses To Hear Plea For Educating People To Show Respect When Referring To India

Factual Background

• The case was T Ramasamy V. Government of India and Ors.
• The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister issued a statement during a debate that it will use ‘Ondriya Arasu’ in official communications instead of ‘Mathiya Arasu’.
• Advocate T Ramasamy filed a Public Interest Litigation seeking for an interim injunction for restraining the use of the word ‘Ondriyam’ (Union) while addressing India in their communications.

Pleas of the Petitioner

• The submission was directed towards the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers for the way the Central Government is addressed during the Legislative Assembly.
• The petitioner also requested education for the people of the State of Tamil Nadu for showing respect while referring to India.

Court’s Observation

• The prayer was misconceived and the Court cannot direct the Chief Minister or the Council of Ministers to speak in a particular fashion or not use specific words.
• The plea was vague as it did not specify what sort of education is to be given to the people of Tamil Nadu.
• The Court also stated that using the word Union government instead of Central government is not a crime.

What do you think of this peculiar PIL? Tell us in the comments below!