Shifting of Sivaji statue: case to be decided on merit

Chennai, The case relating to shifting of the statue of thespian Sivaji Ganesan, installed on the Beach Road opposite Gandhi statue, will be decided on merit as opinions differ on the feasibility of shifting it, the Madras High Court said today.

A bench, comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and D Murugesan, adjourned the case to tomorrow after the State Government pleaded its inability to shift the statue, while the petitioner, a 75-year-old Gandhian, argued it was feasible.

Tamil Nadu advocate general Vidudhalai said that removing the statue would involve cutting the central iron rod passing through the statue and pedestal, which would damage it.

The petitioner's counsel cited several instances of removal of statues and argued that shifting the statue was possible with use of modern technology.

The State Government had installed a statue of Sivaji Ganesan, which is to be unveiled soon. The petitioner, Srinivasanm had filed a petition objecting to the location of the statue, stating that it was diminishing the importance of Gandhi, father of the nation.

He contended that no other statue should come up opposite that of Mahatma Gandhi.