The Madras High Court on Friday ordered V Ponraj, former scientific advisor of erstwhile president and noted scientist APJ Abdul Kalam cannot use his name for his newly launched political party.

Following the court order, Ponraj told The News Minute, that he will further appeal in the court.

Ponraj said, “I have filed a counter affidavit to the EC also when they raised objection.”

“This case was filed to save the political interests of the  Kalam's family. I am not fighting elections for myself but this party has been started by the youth,” he added.

The petitioner in the case, Haja Syed Ibu Rehman, Kalam’s nephew (son of his elder brother A P J M Maraikayar) told TNM that he had filed the case one moth back but refused to share further information about his objection.

Background

The News Minute had earlier reported when V Ponraj had faced objection from Kalam’s family regarding the use of Kalam’s name for a political party.

Ponraj had then told TNM: “Kalam sir is a common leader, anyone can use his name. He has no legal heir. Kalam is like Gandhi or Kamraj or Anna, he is a public figure.”

V Ponraj launched the Abdul Kalam Vision India Party (VIP) on Sunday February 28 at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram.

Kalam’s family had stated that they are unhappy with the use of Kalam’s name since as he never had any political agenda.

Following the incident, Sheikh Salim, Abdul Kalam’s grand-nephew had said Kalam's elder brother A P J M Maraikayar would approach the Election Commission so that Ponraj is not allowed to use the Kalam’s name.