HC notices to TN officials for NGO ad

The Madras HC Monday issued a contempt notice to Tamil Nadu Tourism Secretary for including the name of an NGO,raided by CBI in connection with the 2G scam,in advertisements for a government-sponsored cultural event.

The HC had on January 7 directed that no advertisement issued by the government for popularising Chennai Sangamam should carry the name of NGO Tamil Maiyam,in which CM M Karunanidhis daughter Kanimozhi is a director. Kanimozhi is also coordinator of Sangamam festival.

The court also issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Chairman,seeking explanation why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for violating the court order. The notices were issued on a plea filed by lawyer P Pugalenthi.

The government pleaded that all advertisements that carried the name of Tamil Maiyam were issued by private parties and it could not bind some third parties in issuing the advertisements.