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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Madras High Court on Tuesday criticised the practise of putting up political posters, cutouts, and banners for minor ceremonies that obstruct pedestrian and vehicular movement.
• A bench consisting of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice PD Audikesavalu was hearing a Public Interest Litigation petition from E R Mohanraj of Villupuramin which he claimed that a boy died after being electrocuted while erecting a DMK flagpole for an event.
• "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 observed.

COURT’S OBSERVATION

• The Court took note of the complaint that posters, festoons, buntings, and cut-outs of political leaders frequently block sidewalks and pathways along with highways and even parts of roads.
• Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram, representing the State administration, informed the Court that Chief Minister MK Stalin had banned the use of banners, posters, and cutouts.
• Despite this assurance, the Court noted that temporary structures of this sort could be seen all throughout the city.
• Following that, the Court ordered the State government to draft detailed guidelines and take appropriate actions to prohibit such a practice.
• Counter-affidavits were ordered to be filed before the next hearing date, which is set for November 30.

Do you think political leaders should not be allowed to put up banners and cutouts even during the elections?
On what basis should the amount of the penalty be decided?
Let us know in the comments below!