Supreme Court verdict
Supreme Court Upholds Ungaludan Stalin Scheme Name: On August 6, 2025, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea against the Tamil Nadu government’s outreach programme Ungaludan Stalin.
The court called the plea misconceived and an abuse of law, imposing a ₹10 lakh penalty on C. Ve. Shanmugam.
This penalty will be paid to the Tamil Nadu government for use in welfare schemes.
Static GK fact: The Supreme Court of India was established in 1950 under Article 124 of the Constitution.
Madras High Court order overturned
The apex court set aside a Madras High Court order that had restrained the Tamil Nadu government from naming schemes after living persons.
It observed that targeting only the ruling party and its Chief Minister indicated political motivation.
Static GK fact: The Madras High Court, founded in 1862, is one of the three chartered High Courts in India.
Common practice in India
The court noted that naming welfare schemes after political leaders is a long-standing practice across India.
The petitioner had not objected to schemes named after other living leaders from various political parties.
Static GK fact: Several states in India have schemes named after leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and M. G. Ramachandran.
Election Commission and advertising concerns
The petition had also sought action from the Election Commission of India under Paragraph 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
It requested the Content Regulation Committee on Government Advertising to act against the use of the name Stalin.
Static GK fact: The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body under Article 324.
Scheme allowed to continue
The Supreme Court concluded that Ungaludan Stalin is citizen-focused and not intended for political propaganda.
The Tamil Nadu government is now free to continue using the name for its welfare programme.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu has a long tradition of welfare schemes, including the Midday Meal Scheme introduced in the 1980s.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Supreme Court Upholds Ungaludan Stalin Scheme Name:
| Fact | Detail |
| Date of Supreme Court verdict | August 6, 2025 |
| Programme name | Ungaludan Stalin |
| Petitioner | C. Ve. Shanmugam |
| Penalty imposed | ₹10 lakh |
| Beneficiary of penalty | Tamil Nadu government welfare schemes |
| High Court order overturned | Madras High Court |
| Legal reference | Paragraph 16A, Election Symbols Order 1968 |
| Oversight body referred | Content Regulation Committee on Government Advertising |
| Court observation | Naming schemes after leaders is common practice |
| Outcome | Scheme name allowed to continue |
