Tamil Nadu govt ordered to promote 44th Chess Olympiad with photos of President and PM Modi

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jul 28, 2022 | Poonam Nath

Rajesh Kumar's plea in Madras High Court asking for commands to include the President's and Prime Minister's portraits in the 44th Chess Olympiad's advertisements and promotions.

Digital Desk: Chief Minister MK Stalin suffered a setback on Thursday when the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court mandated that all advertisements for the 44th Chess Olympiad must include both the President's and Prime Minister's photos.

From July 28 to August 9, Chennai will host the 44th Chess Olympiad. The prestigious competition, held since 1927, is held in India for the first time and in Asia for the first time in 30 years.

The absence of images of Prime Minister Modi and President Draupadi Murmu from the state government's billboards sparked outrage from the opposition.

Rajesh Kumar, a petitioner, had moved the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court seeking an approach to include photographs of the President and Prime Minister in advertisements and promotions for the 44th Chess Olympiad.

Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram confronted that it was an international event entirely funded by the Tamil Nadu government, even though photographs of the Prime Minister were published in invitations, newspapers, and advertisements. He also stated that the Prime Minister was invited to inaugurate the event and that his photo was printed in promotional materials after confirming his participation.

The advocate general also stated that the Supreme Court order prohibiting photos of the PM and CM from appearing in government advertisements would not apply to an international event organised in collaboration with FIDE (International Chess Federation).

The court also rejected the argument that the absence of a photograph of the Prime Minister was due to a lack of consent from his office. The court ruled that the Prime Minister's photo would be published even if he could not have inaugurated the event.

The court also ordered the administration to ensure that no advertisements containing photos of the President or Prime Minister are damaged or destroyed and that strict action will be taken if such activities are reported.

With 187 countries participating, this will be the largest Chess Olympiad ever. India is also fielding its largest contingent in the competition, with 30 players divided among six teams.