It has become almost customary to name public places on politicians’ names. Be it the Britishers, the state governments, the Union Government, or even the MLAs now. Even though the High Court of Karnataka in 2012 Deemed it illegal to do so, we continue to see politicians defy these judgments.
Source: Live Law
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On March 12th The High Court of Karnataka issued notice to the state government, MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa, his son and Minister for Horticulture, Mines & Geology S S Mallikarjun, Deputy Commissioner of Davanagere and others, after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking removal of names of living politicians on several buildings, roads, parks, lakes, etc, constructed using public funds in Davanagere district.
Citing a 2012 judgment made by the High Court directing the DC and others to remove the name of ‘Sanmanya Maadalu Virupakshappa Play Ground’ from the taluk playground, and that the playground shall not be named after any living person and certainly not after a public figure, who is certain to gain advantage from it. If any politician is desirous of having his name immortalized, he is free to do it on his property, provided no public funds have been utilized. Based on this order, the name was changed.
Source:Cricwindow.
However, a very important question arises. Are these laws only for MLA’s or does it apply to our Honorable Prime Minister as well? The Re-Naming and Renovation of the Naredra Modi stadium (previously Known as Motera Cricket Stadium) was done on government expenditure, it was still named after a living Political Figure. This certainly gives advantage to that public figure. Cricket, the most followed sport in India now hosts almost all high viewership matches in the Stadium Named after the serving PM.
Naming schemes, Buildings, and other public places on political leaders is not new, The Congress has done it for years. They however have not done it while the political leader was serving. Hence making the naming of the stadium a special case. A PIL still remains pending in the Honorable Supreme Court regarding this, until then, the stadium remains to be named after a living, serving, Political Leader.
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