New Delhi, Aug 31: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the central government, the Bharatiya Janata Party, five states ruled by the party and Telangana government for allegedly violating its guidelines on public advertisements. Five BJP-ruled states that received the Supreme Court notice are Uttar Pradesh (UP), Madhya Pradesh (MP), Chattishgarh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand. The apex court sought their responses within four weeks.

The Supreme Court issued notices after hearing a plea by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sanjeev Jha, who alleged that the Centre, BJP and these states issued public advertisements in violation of the apex court’s directions given earlier. He has sought a direction from the top court that a committee constituted on this issue by the Centre should be asked to take cognisance of these alleged violations and initiate appropriate proceedings against them. Article 35A in Jammu And Kashmir: Supreme Court Adjourns Hearing Till 19th January, 2019.

The Supreme Court had issued an order against publication of political leaders’ photos in advertisements except those of the President, Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India, saying it infringed on fundamental rights and federal structure. However, on March 18, 2016, the apex court modified its order and said the pictures of Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, Governors and State Ministers could appear in government advertisements.

That verdict came on pleas by Centre and states including the then poll-bound West Bengal and Tamil Nadu which had sought a review of the Supreme Court judgment. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing NGO Common Cause which had filed the original PIL on review petitions filed by the States, had told the apex court that certain state governments were violating the top court’s guidelines.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2018 03:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).