Public ads: SC declines to entertain Ajay Maken's PIL against Delhi AAP government

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a plea filed by Congress leader Ajay Maken accusing Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi of flouting the apex court regulations on public advertisements, saying "other efficacious remedies are available with him."

A bench comprising justices Ranjan Gogoi and N V Ramana said, "The petition is not entertained because the petitioner (Maken) has other efficacious remedies available with him."

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for Maken, said that the guidelines have been flouted by the Delhi government and the budgetary allocation for public advertisement has also been raised from nearly Rs 30 crore to Rs 500 crore.

The bench, however, said that it cannot entertain seperate petitions on the allegations of violation of its regulations.

The apex court had on May 13 barred publication of photos of leaders in government advertisements except those of the President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India while decrying "personality cult" as an anti-thesis of democracy.