A petition challenging the use of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo on the Covid-19 vaccination certificate was dismissed by the Kerala High Court on Tuesday.
The bench of Justice P V Kunhikrishnan imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on petitioner Peter Myaliparambil, saying it was a frivolous petition filed with ulterior motives and a case that should be dismissed with a heavy cost. “I have a strong suspicion that the petitioner has a political agenda as well,” the judge said.
The petitioner claimed that including the Prime Minister’s photo on the vaccination certificate is an invasion of his privacy.
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“It is the duty of citizens to respect the Prime Minister of India,” the judge wrote in his decision. “Of course, they can disagree on the Government’s policies and even the Prime Minister’s political stand.” They can speak to the citizens and say that what the Prime Minister’s government is doing is not in the best interests of the people. Citizens, on the other hand, should not be ashamed to carry a vaccination certificate bearing the Prime Minister’s photograph and a morale-boosting message, especially in this pandemic situation. In such a situation, there is no infringement of a fundamental right or any other right, such as compelled viewing, etc., as claimed by the petitioner”
“Thousands of people who have been convicted in criminal cases are imprisoned in our country while their appeals are heard. Thousands of people are waiting for their matrimonial cases to be resolved. Thousands of people are waiting for their property disputes to be resolved. In such a situation, this Court must consider those lawsuits as soon as possible, which it does on a daily basis. When frivolous petitions are filed in this situation, they should be dismissed with a heavy cost,” the judge added.
“Thousands of people who have been convicted in criminal cases are imprisoned in our country while their appeals are heard. Thousands of people are waiting for their matrimonial cases to be resolved. Thousands of people are waiting for their property disputes to be resolved. In such a situation, this Court must consider those lawsuits as soon as possible, which it does on a daily basis. When frivolous petitions are filed in this situation, they should be dismissed with a heavy cost,” the judge added.
The Union Government’s Assistant Solicitor General of India (ASGI).S.Manu argued that the photograph on the vaccination certificate has a message and that there is nothing wrong with addressing the nation through a vaccination certificate.
The judge instructed the petitioner to research the history of Indian democracy, recalling that when Jawaharlal Nehru won a massive majority in India’s first general election, the Communist Party of India had 16 members, “which of course is not enough for getting the post of Opposition leader.”
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The court slammed the petitioner, saying he should study how to show respect to the Prime Minister and others by watching at least the parliamentary proceedings, which are broadcast live on National TV. “The Opposition leaders will vehemently oppose the Government’s policies.” They will, however, refer to the Prime Minister as “Hon’ble Prime Minister.”
Democracy necessitates mutual respect. If that isn’t there, it will be a black day for democracy,” according to the court. The court had previously noted the flaws in Covid-19 vaccination certificates that included the Prime Minister’s photo when he was elected to power by the people of the country.