Based on PILs filed by several NGOs, the Supreme court rules that only photographs of dignitaries like the President , PM and the CJI, should be displayed in central government -sponsored advertisements. I am per se opposed to political publicity by the ruling dispensation at the cost of public exchequer.The Congress-led UPA is a pastmaster in this game.
Immediately after defeat of NDA ,the then Finance Minister ordered manifold increase of publicity budget of the government in DAVP's budget in 2005. The ministries were also asked to enhance their publicity budget. Ads carrying photos of Sonia Gandhi, the de facto PM, started appearing in DAVP ads along with de jure , sorry, the puppet PM Manmohan Singh. The size of photos, its placement etc. in the draft ad used to be forwarded by us to the PMO for onward transmission to 10 Janpath through Pullock Chatterjee, who acted as the general factotum.I was cautious against forfeiture of my pension. The excessive visibility of extra-Constitutional person in ads was irritating. It bred contempt.No NGO raised the issue. My views appeared in print media after my superannuation in 2008. Even the then C&AG turned a blind eye.to this financial misappropriation.Thousands of crores of rupees were wasted on this stupid display of photos of Sonia G, Manmohan Singh and ministers. Interestingly, Sonia G was made a dignitary by virtue of being Chairman,NAC. Her first appointment order was issued under my signature,of course,after approval by the dumb PM
NO LESSONS LEARNT
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Since ,we did not take lessons from history, it is repeating itself.
Where is RULE OF LAW ?
Are the three dignitaries cited by Hon'ble Supreme court.more equal than the poor man on the street ?
It would have enhanced our feel-good factor,had the Hon'ble Apex court ruled scrapping of all photos from govt advertisements -- all out of tax payers' money.
I also respectfully urge the SC to re-visit its verdict besides ordering investigation into UPA's misdeeds and recovery of tax payers' money from the Congress.
Let no one talk of "Judicial Activism" and " Judicial over-reach".
Let the ruling dispensation care for the poor man.
I do not mean any dis-respect to the Judiciary and the Executive .
The views are personal in exercise of my Constitutional right to Freedom of Speech and Expression.
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