We are proud of our PM, says Kerala HC

The Kerala High Court on Monday asked a petitioner, who approached the court seeking the removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph from the COVID-19 vaccination certificate, whether he was ashamed of the PM. Justice PV Kunhikrishnan asked what was wrong with having the PM's photo on the certificate when he was elected to power by the people of the country.

The petitioner's counsel argued that such a practice does not exist in other countries. However, the judge countered, "They may not be proud of their PMs, we are proud of our PM."

"Why are you (petitioner) ashamed of the Prime Minister? He came to power through the mandate of the people.... We may have different political views, but he is still our PM," the court added.

The certificate is a private space with personal details on record, and it is inappropriate to intrude into an individual's privacy. The PM's photo on the certificate is an intrusion into an individual's private space, the petitioner's counsel argued.

However, the court asked why the petitioner has a problem with the PM's photo on the certificate when more than 100 crore people of the country don't. The court said that it would examine the merits of the plea. If there are none, it will dispose of the matter, it added.

Advocate Ajit Joy, appearing for the petitioner and senior citizen Peter Myaliparampil, said that whether to be proud of one's PM or not was a personal choice. He said it was not a matter of political difference as the Supreme Court has laid down guidelines for advertisements and campaigns using public money. Furthermore, having a photo on the certificates would influence voters. The matter was also raised during the recent state elections, he said.

Peter, in his plea, had contended that the PM's photo on the certificates was a violation of his fundamental rights. The central government, however, opposed it, saying it was a publicity interest litigation.