New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Wednesday debarred publication of name of any political party and its office bearers in government advertisements.

“Only pictures of the President, the PM and the CJI can be published in government advertisements,” the SC ruled on Wednesday.

“Pictures of any chief minister and other political leaders cannot be published in government advertisements,” the SC said.

The SC said that the government can’t be allowed to use public money for unproductive purposes like giving advertisements for political gains.

The apex court also directed centre to appoint three-member committee to ensure that public fund for ads is not misused by government for political gains.

However, the SC refused to restrain the government to not issue public advertisements six months prior to an election.