📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Brendonmotom
Politics
Tripura royal Pradyot Bikram Manikya files complaint with SEC over misuse of his photos in election campaign
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 15 Nov 2026, 01:02 AM
👁 25
Pradyot Bikram Manikya has approached the Tripura State Election Commission, alleging that his photographs are being used without permission in political campaign material.
Tripura’s royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya lodged a formal complaint with the State Election Commission (SEC) on Tuesday, asserting that his images are appearing in campaign flyers and advertisements without his consent. The complaint highlights that several political parties and candidates have incorporated his photographs to garner voter support, a practice the complainant says violates electoral norms and his personal rights.
According to the filing, the unauthorized use spans printed leaflets, social media posts, and outdoor billboards across multiple districts of the state. Manikya’s legal team has requested the SEC to investigate the matter, order the removal of the infringing material, and impose penalties on those responsible.
The SEC, which oversees the conduct of local elections in Tripura, has acknowledged receipt of the grievance and indicated that it will examine the allegations under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and relevant state regulations. A spokesperson said a response would be issued after the commission completes its preliminary review.
If the commission finds merit in the complaint, it could direct the offending parties to cease using the images and possibly levy fines. The outcome may set a precedent for how personal likenesses are protected in Indian electoral politics.
Manikya, a prominent figure in Tripura’s political landscape and a member of the erstwhile royal family, has not commented further pending the commission’s decision.
According to the filing, the unauthorized use spans printed leaflets, social media posts, and outdoor billboards across multiple districts of the state. Manikya’s legal team has requested the SEC to investigate the matter, order the removal of the infringing material, and impose penalties on those responsible.
The SEC, which oversees the conduct of local elections in Tripura, has acknowledged receipt of the grievance and indicated that it will examine the allegations under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and relevant state regulations. A spokesperson said a response would be issued after the commission completes its preliminary review.
If the commission finds merit in the complaint, it could direct the offending parties to cease using the images and possibly levy fines. The outcome may set a precedent for how personal likenesses are protected in Indian electoral politics.
Manikya, a prominent figure in Tripura’s political landscape and a member of the erstwhile royal family, has not commented further pending the commission’s decision.