PIL In Kerala High Court Alleges Misuse Of Public Funds For State Govt's Newspaper Ads Ahead Of Elections

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging a two-page jacket advertisement issued by the Kerala government through the Information and Public Relations Department (I&PRD) in several newspapers, alleging misuse of public funds for political messaging.The Petitioner, who is the District Congress Committee President of Ernakulam, seeks judicial scrutiny of the advertisement published on March 5, 2026.According to the petitioner, the advertisement allegedly violates constitutional principles requiring political neutrality in the use of state resources. The petitioner contends that the timing, content and presentation of the advertisement indicate a “colourable exercise of power” intended to influence public perception before the elections in the State.The petition argues that the advertisement contrasts headlines depicting alleged failures of earlier governments with reports highlighting achievements of the present administration. This juxtaposition, the petitioner claims, creates a political narrative favourable to the present government while being funded from the public exchequer.The Division Bench Comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M directed the Respondents to file counter affidavits and reply within 10 days. “The question of maintainability of this petition as a public interest litigation is kept open,” the Court said.It also refrained from granting an interim relief and said, "We are not convinced prima facie.."The PIL relies on the Supreme Court judgment in Common Cause v. Union of India [MANU/SC/0604/2015], which laid down guidelines regulating government advertisements to prevent their use for political propaganda. The petitioner also refers to Kerala Government Order, issued to implement these guidelines within the State.The plea contends that the impugned advertisement violates these norms by promoting political achievements and portraying previous administrations negatively.The petitioner has produced copies of the disputed advertisements published in newspapers including Deshabhimani, The Hindu and The Indian Express. The petitioner seeks a Judicial examination of the legality of the advertisement campaign and directions to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court's guidelines on government advertising. The petition also seeks an appropriate order to prevent misuse of public funds for political publicity.Case Title: Muhammed Shiyas v The State of Kerala and Ors. Case No: WP(PIL) 55/ 2026Counsel for Petitioner: Anoop V Nair, Sherry Geroge Cherian, Parvathy Vijayan, Sharanya P, Athul P, C A Beema Beevi, Ferra A ThankamClick Here To Read/ Download Interim Order

PIL In Kerala High Court Alleges Misuse Of Public Funds For State Govt's Newspaper Ads Ahead Of Elections

Anamika MJ

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