Circular to prevent erection of flags and banners; CM's permission not required, says HC

KOCHI: The government on Friday told the High Court that the permission of the Chief Minister was required to implement the High Court order to issue a circular prohibiting the erection of flags and banners on roadside handrails and traffic islands. The government also sought two months' time for this. Justice Devan Ramachandran, who rejected this demand, said the order should be implemented by July 7 or the official in charge should give an explanation directly.

The High Court had directed the government to stop the erection of flag pennants and banners on the roadsides and public roads causing inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists while considering the petition filed by the management of the Pandalam Mannam Ayurveda Medical College seeking the removal of illegal flagpoles in front of the college. Accordingly, the Additional Chief Secretary issued a circular to the local bodies not to allow the erection of flagpoles, banners, pennants and boards on roads and roads. A copy of this was also produced in the High Court. However, the High Court on June 2 pointed out that the circular did not specify that flagpoles and banners should not be placed on roadsides, traffic islands and medians. The court directed that the Additional Chief Secretary should issue a new circular by including this or by making clarifications in the existing circular. Following this, the government advocate sought two months' time for the CM's approval. However, the single bench pointed out that the Advocate General had assured that these matters would also be included in the circular.

"This is something that needs to be done at the secretary level. The permission of the Chief Minister is not required for this. Earlier, the court was informed that a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister was convened to implement the court order. In this case, the order must be executed by July 7," Justice Devan Ramachandran said.