Nonremoval of illegal flags and banners a failure of administration says HC; orders report within 2 weeks, asks if police did not notice lawlessness during Bharat Jodo Yatra

KOCHI: The High Court of Kerala criticized that illegally putting up flag posts and banners on the wayside by political parties, even after the court’s order and seculars, is because of a failure in administration. The court asked the government to follow its orders and remove illegally placed posters including that of cinemas and businesses.

High Court Judge, Devan Ramachandran, also sought a report within 2 weeks from the Chief Secretary, Local Government Department Principal Secretary, and the DGP.

The High Court took up the matter after the Amicus Curiae’s report said that illegal flags and banners were erected along the national highway during Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Single Bench asked orally, why the police, which accompanied the Congress rally did not see the violation of law in plain eyesight.

High Court also said that one side is saying that the court did not intervene when one party put up boards and flags and asked why the court is intervening now. The court is intervening in every issue that comes to its attention. If the orders were followed by the government, this kind of criticism would not be there.

The Court observed that boards were erected in Kochi during a visit of a person in a high position and reminded that this practice is done when the country is implementing Swachh Bharat.

High Court added that the government is putting the onus on the court without following its orders. If the government cannot execute its orders then it must inform the court.