HC restrains party from using name/pictures of late Abdul Kalam

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court today restrained the office bearers of 'Abdul Kalam Vision India Party' from using the name and the pictures of late former President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Hearing a civil suit from APJ Mohammed Muthu Meera Maraikayar, brother of Kalam, vacation judge Justice S Vimala said, "this court is of the considered view that a prima facie case is made out and the balance of convenience lies in favour of the national interest to grant an order of injunction."

"Therefore, having regard to the larger civil rights involved in the suit, ad-interim injunction is granted, restraining defendants from using the name/figurine/ picture of Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, as a part of the party name or in the flag of their political party or for any other political activity..."

This is pending final decision to be taken by Election Commission of India and the Chief Election Commissioner of Tamil Nadu on the representation submitted by the petitioner/ plaintiff, the judge said.

The judge, in her order, said, "the name or the office of any president of the country is not used as a name or a symbol of any political party."

"In fact, right from Dr.Rajendra Prasad to Dr.Prathiba Patil none of the presidents had permitted their names to be used in the name of any political party nor have any of them associated themselves with any political party after their term of Presidency."

Hence formation of political party with the name of A P J Abdul Kalam is in breach of such glorious tradition left behind by the former presidents, the judge said.

Ponraj, who worked as Secretary to Abdul Kalam with S.Kumar and R.Thirusenduran had formed a political party-- 'Abdul Kalam Vision India Party', on February 28.

The petitioner submitted that they started the political party only with a view to encashing the love and faith that the people of the nation reposed on his brother.

The petitioner further said even during his Presidency, his brother was apolitical.