Illegal boards & flags: State govt’s inaction irks HC

Kochi: The Kerala high court on Thursday expressed concern over the state govt's inaction in taking stringent measures against those who illegally put up boards and flags in public places.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, while considering petitions seeking action against the unauthorized installation of flags, boards and festoons in public spaces, orally criticized the state govt for its lack of support in curbing the menace. The bench observed that the city of Kollam is now filled with boards and flags on streets and other public areas.
The court noted that it has received nearly 200 complaints from individuals in Kollam across various sections of society, including doctors, lawyers and even politicians. However, the complainants hesitated to disclose their identities due to fear. "Police officials, govt secretaries — everyone is afraid. Can a state governed by fear be called a democracy? The court does not think so. The court feels sorry for the administration," the bench remarked.
The court further emphasized that implementing judicial orders is the duty of the state, and failure to do so reflects the state's inefficiency. It observed that political parties continue to put up boards in public places in violation of both court orders and govt circulars, knowing that the administrative system will support them.
The bench also voiced concern over the rising lawlessness among children, referring to recent incidents of criminal attacks. "If our children are engaging in wrongdoing, it is because they are imitating us. They have come to believe that anything is permissible here. It is the responsibility of elders to set an example and teach them to respect the law," the court observed.
Additionally, the bench noted that the boards removed from Thiruvananthapuram earlier have yet to be disposed of. "Even now, political parties continue to put up boards and flags for self-promotion. Their priority is not the state but themselves. Is this the vision of a new Kerala we aspire to create," the court asked orally.