Unauthorised Hoardings Under Nose Of Govt In Capital City Trivandrum 'Distressing': Kerala High Court

The observation was made by Justice Devan Ramachandran while hearing a 2018 plea concerning unauthorized boards/ banners and public places. The Court had earlier ordered that fine of Rs. 5000 will be collected for every unauthorised board installed. The Court has been regularly monitoring the status in the Cochin City.

The Amicus Curiae appointed by the Court, Adv. Harish Vasudevan informed the Court that the city of Trivandrum is also flooded with boards.

The Court observed that this is a serious issue.

'When it comes to violations in a city like Trivandrum, the matter is much more serious because it is our capital city and one which is extremely beautiful and well -planned in comparison to many others. The violations under the nose of governance – in a manner of speaking – should not distress this Court alone, but also the authorities who are concerned with the task of ensuring maintenance of law and order' is serious

The Amicus Curiae further submitted that most of these boards belong to the Government or its Public Relations Department. The Court asked the Counsel of Trivandrum Corporation whether the Court should send someone to inspect the city and report back. The Counsel sought a week's time to answer.

The Court remarked that it was intending to try to get rid the Trivandrum City of the menace and obtain revenue in the form of fine. The Court added that it would proceed to initiate contempt action and fixing personal responsibility for recovery of lost fine on the concerned authorities. The Court had warned in the last hearing that it will initiate contempt proceedings against the Secretaries of Local Self Government Institution for not taking action in the issue.

The matter is posted to next week.

Case Title: St. Stephen's Malankara Catholic Church v. State of Kerala & Ors.

Case No: WP(C) No. 22750/ 2018