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Remove boards carrying unauthorised name change of village: SC
View(s):The Supreme Court (SC) directed the Valikamam Pradeshiya Sabha to remove all the name boards carrying the name “Sinthupuram” from all public premises in the Valikamam PS area until the correct procedure to change the name is followed and adhered to.
The SC gave this order after considering a fundamental rights petition filed by the residents of Vaddukoddai, citing 32 respondents including the Attorney General.
The new name board following the court order
The petitioners state that from time immemorial the village was known as Sivankovilady and all correspondence was carried out with the name Sivankovilady. They claim that in 2005 a group which identified itself as LTTE supporters effected changes in the name board at the Rathalady market without any permission from the relevant authorities.
Further, in 2009 members of the “Gandhiji community centre” changed its name board to read “Sinthupuram common market” without any approval from the relevant authorities.
The petitioners said that even after several complaints to the authorities were made against the name change from Sivankovilady to Sinthupuram as it would cause disharmony and bring about animosity within certain castes in the area, no attempt had been made to take the necessary steps to revert to the status quo that prevailed earlier.
The change of name without following the correct procedure is unlawful and they request that the original name Sivankovilady remain unchanged. The Bench comprising Justices Shirani Thilakawardena K. Sripavan and P. Dep directed the Pradeshiya Sabha chairperson Nagaranjani Inkaram to remove the name board at the public market within 48 hours and also remove other boards carrying the name ‘Sinthupuram’ from all public places in the PS area.
old name board of the public market carrying the unauthorised word “Sinthupuram”
Shymal Collure instructed by Chandrasiri Wijesinghe appeared for the petitioners. Deputy Solicitor General Demuni de Silva appeared for the Attorney General and M. Mariampillaai appeared for the Pradeshiya Sabha.
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