The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the return of a Bharat Mata (Mother India) statue to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Kottaipatti village, Virudhunagar district. The statue, which was removed on August 7, 2023, by local authorities, was deemed unlawfully seized. This ruling, delivered on November 13, came in response to the BJP’s complaint regarding the removal.

On August 7, a team led by Aruppukottai Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Sivakumar and Tehsildar Baskaran forcibly entered the BJP office, citing that the statue had been installed without proper authorization. Authorities had been alerted to the statue by a complaint regarding its placement. In a video that circulated on social media, a police officer was seen scaling the wall of the BJP office to unlock the gate and allow officials to remove the statue.

BJP state president Annamalai condemned the actions of the authorities, calling them “unacceptable” and blaming the ruling DMK government. He expressed his frustration, stating that the current government had stripped the people of Tamil Nadu of the right to install a Bharat Mata statue, even on private property.

The Madras High Court, responding to a petition by Virudhunagar BJP District President G. Pandurangan, directed that the statue be returned to the BJP office and that authorities refrain from interfering with the party’s right to install such a statue on its private property.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, while delivering the ruling, emphasized that while statues may require state approval for installation on public land, this does not apply to private property. He said, “No legislature or executive should assume any authority to interfere with the private affairs of a citizen or association.” He added that such interference is constitutionally forbidden.

The court also criticized the actions of the Virudhunagar district authorities as “high-handed” and likely influenced by external pressure. Justice Venkatesh further stressed that this behavior was unacceptable in a state governed by the rule of law, emphasizing that it should never be repeated.

The court noted that the installation of a Bharat Mata statue on private property is akin to creating a personal shrine, symbolizing hope, unity, and respect for the motherland. It pointed out that such statues represent ideals of freedom, resilience, and cultural identity, fostering reflection on these core values.

While the BJP argued that the statue was installed to symbolize national unity, the Tamil Nadu authorities defended their actions by referencing state guidelines from 2022, which restrict the installation of new statues and mandate government approval for such installations. These guidelines also suggest the relocation of statues that could cause unrest.

However, Justice Venkatesh rejected the DMK government's interpretation, stating that expressing patriotism and love for one’s country does not threaten state or community interests. He affirmed that the installation of a Bharat Mata statue on private property is a personal and symbolic expression of reverence for the nation.

The court’s ruling upholds the right to install the statue on private property, recognizing it as an act of love and pride for the motherland, and a reminder of the sacrifices made for India’s independence.

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