The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has reiterated the creation of ‘leaders parks’ across Tamil Nadu for installation of new statues and relocation of existing statues for which permission was already granted.

A Division Bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete observed that instead of installing statues of leaders in public places, the court had elaborately considered the issue and directed the government to identify lands for creation of the required number of ‘leaders parks’ across the State.

Accordingly, permissions have already been granted and statues are to be relocated in the ‘leaders parks’.

The formation of ‘leaders parks’ would be of much benefit to youth as they can learn about the ideas and ideologies of the leaders.

Instead of making concrete efforts for the formation of ‘leaders parks’, the government cannot issue orders granting permission to install statues in public places, the court observed.

On account of heavy traffic congestion and other mitigating factors, the general public are put to hardship in the event of granting such permission to install statues in public places.

The rights of citizens in all respects guaranteed under the Constitution are to be protected by the State, the court observed.

The Supreme Court had passed an order directing no further installation of statue or construction of any structure on public roads, pavements, sideways and other public utility places are to be permitted.

A Division Bench of Madras High Court also passed orders. When the Supreme Court passed an order not to grant permission to install statues in public places, the State government cannot pass orders granting such permission, the court observed.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Palsamy of Tirunelveli district who had sought a direction to restrain the authorities from installing a bronze statue and name board of the former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi near the entrance of Valliyoor daily vegetable market in Valliyoor in Tirunelveli district.

The State submitted that instruction had been issued to the Collector not to install the statue of the former Chief Minister and action will be taken to withdraw the G.O. issued. The court posted the matter for reporting compliance on July 16.