PIL filed in HC challenging govt.’s newspaper ads

A public interest litigation has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging a two-page jacket-advertisement that the State government issued in a few dailies, alleging that public funds have been misused for a political purpose keeping in mind the upcoming Assembly polls. 

In his plea, Muhammed Shiyas, president of the Ernakulam DCC, alleged that the advertisement violated constitutional principles that required political neutrality while using public funds. The timing, content, and the presentation of the advertisement indicated a colourable exercise of power that was aimed at influencing public perception prior to the Assembly polls.

The advertisement contrasted news headlines that depicted the alleged failure of previous State governments, while depicting the ‘achievements’ of the present government. This was aimed at creating a political narrative favourable to the present government, while being funded from the public exchequer, he said. 

The HC directed the respondents concerned to reply and file an affidavit within 10 days.