Recently, the Madras High Court emphasised that politics should be used for the upliftment of the common man and the nation, rather than for personal and monetary gains which violate constitutional ideals.
Justice S M Subramaniam conveyed this sentiment while overseeing a contempt petition initiated by R Girija against her tenant, S Ramalingam, a DMK party official, who had disregarded court orders to vacate her property for over ten years. The Justice highlighted the substantial influence politicians hold over the public and insisted on the responsible use of this power, avoiding any misconduct for personal benefits.
“The role of politicians carries an intrinsic duty to positively influence and guide people. Unfortunately, we observe politicians utilising their reach to harass and disrupt public life frequently,” remarked the Justice, voicing distress over recurrent incidents of land usurpation involving political figures.
Justice Subramaniam affirmed the court’s stance of safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights, particularly underscoring the safeguarding of rights under Article 21, which ensures a peaceful life for every individual.
Reflecting on the case at hand, where the tenant has recently been evicted by police following court orders, he stressed the necessity to settle over five years of pending rent arrears to the petitioner, who, along with her elderly husband, relied on those funds for survival.
He noted the enduring struggle of the petitioner, who fought for 12 years to reclaim her property with police intervention. The Justice urged the State and District Collector to act decisively in protecting the dignity and rights of senior citizens, highlighting the responsibilities outlined in the Senior Citizen Act.
