Recording a statement by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) that there is no financial transaction between the Tamil Nadu government and Tamil Maiyam for conducting ‘Chennai Sangamam,' the Madras High Court on Friday said no government advertisement for the cultural festival should carry the organisation's name.
The First Bench, comprising Chief Justice M.Y. Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, passed the order while disposing of a writ petition by P. Pugalenthi, advocate, seeking to forbear the State government and the TTDC from associating with the organisation for conducting the programme, scheduled from January 12 to 17.
TTDC files counter affidavit
On Friday, the TTDC filed a counter affidavit stating that Tamil Maiyam identified and deployed recognised groups who performed the events. There was no financial transaction between the Tamil Nadu government and the Maiyam. The artists' remuneration was paid directly by the TTDC, based on government sanction.
The Government Pleader, relying on the TTDC's affidavit, submitted that there was absolutely no financial transaction between the State government and the organisation.
The government further made it clear that no advertisement issued by it would carry the organisation's name.
The Bench recorded the statement in the counter. It said the organisation should continue to be associated for the effective conduct of the festival.
As undertaken by the government and the TTDC, no government advertisement for promoting the festival should carry the organisation's name.
