Impose Penalty For Construction Of Banners, Cutouts Of Political Leaders In Public Places: Madras HC Directs State

The Madras High Court on Tuesday reprimanded the practice of putting up posters, cutouts, banners featuring political leaders for minor functions that impede pedestrian and vehicular movement.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice PD Audikesavalu was adjudicating upon a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition wherein the petitioner had averred that a boy had recently passed away after getting electrocuted while erecting a DMK flagpole for an event.

The Court took note of the grievance that footpaths and pathways along highways and even parts of roads are often blocked with posters, festoons, buntings and cut-outs of political leaders.

"It is especially dangerous when temporary constructions are put up at intersections in the form of welcome arches or gates to invite political leaders", the Court remarked.

Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram appearing for the State government apprised the Court that Chief Minister MK Stalin had prohibited such a practice of erecting banners, posters or cutouts.

However, the Court remarked that despite such an assurance, temporary constructions of this nature were visible all across the city.

"Though learned Advocate-General submits that the present government has prohibited such practice for the political party which is in power, the temporary constructions are seen to come up all over the place and remain long after the event is over", the order read.

The Court proceeded to direct the State government to frame comprehensive guidelines and take appropriate measures to discourage such a practice.

"It would be best if the State could suggest some disincentive or penalty if such temporary constructions are put up at any public space", the Court further observed.

Counter-affidavits were directed to be filed before the next date of hearing which is slated to take place on November 30.

Case Title: E.R Mohanraj v. Government of Tamil Nadu 

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