The Kerala High Court has given a strict two-week deadline to all secretaries of local self-government institutions to remove unauthorised banners, boards, flags and festoons across the state, warning that any violations found after the deadline will be treated as their personal responsibility.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, while passing the order on November 19, said the court’s earlier directions must be implemented in full, and any unauthorised installation that remains beyond the two-week period would be attributable to the concerned secretary.
The court recorded the government’s assurance that the latest directions will be emailed to all local body secretaries within two days. It further directed the State Election Commission and every District Election Officer to keep close watch over their respective areas and take action against illegal displays. They are required to file a compliance report once the cleanup is completed.
The order came on a petition filed by activist Rahul K. T., who sought strict action against local body secretaries for failing to comply with the High Court’s earlier order on March 13 mandating the removal of such unauthorised structures. He argued that enforcement on the ground had been lax because officials believed they would face no consequences.
The court noted that there was “prima facie force” in the petitioner’s contention and said that the issue of imposing fines on erring secretaries would be considered after the two-week period expires.
The matter will be taken up next on December 3.
