Tamil Nadu Minister Saminathan announced in the State Assembly that the fine for commercial establishments that fail to display name boards in Tamil has been increased from Rs. 50 to Rs. 2,000.During the Question Hour in the Assembly, DMK MLA Inigo Irudayaraj raised a request regarding the statue of legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan near Prabath Theatre in Palakkarai, Tiruchirapalli. He urged the government to take steps to officially unveil the statue.
In response, Minister Saminathan stated that the statue was installed by a fan club with financial support from local minister Nehru. However, he explained that a Supreme Court verdict prohibiting the installation of statues in public places has prevented its official unveiling. As a result, the statue remains covered.
He assured that the matter would be discussed with the Chief Minister and a suitable location would be selected for the statue to be relocated and inaugurated with proper permissions.
MLA Irudayaraj pointed out that the 9-foot bronze statue was erected with a resolution passed by the Tiruchirapalli Corporation and that the High Court had previously advised that the statue be installed in a prominent location to honour the actor’s legacy. He proposed either the Sattiram bus stand or the Palakkarai veterinary hospital area as alternative locations.
Minister Saminathan concluded by saying that, with the Chief Minister’s approval, the statue would be placed in a location where there is high public footfall, with the consent of the district and city administration.