Kerala High Court says printers, advertisers will be responsible for illegal hoardings put up by their clients

In a significant judgment passed on Thursday, the Kerala High Court held that printers and advertisers will be responsible for illegal hoardings put up by their clients [St. Stephen's Malankara Catholic Church Kattanam Village v. State of Kerala].Justice Devan Ramachandran also held that the responsibility for removing illegal boards and flags, both currently and in the future, would rest personally with the secretaries of local self-government institutions (LSGIs)."In terms of the circulars and directions and interim orders of this Court it is further ordered that the non removal of illegal boards flags and festoons as on today or in future shall become the personal responsibility of the secretaries of the local self-government institutions, with obligation to collect fine for each violations, registration of FIRs, collection of cause and action to be taken against advertising agencies/ press," the Court stated in its judgment. The Secretaries have been mandated to collect fines, register first information reports (FIRs) and initiate action against advertising agencies and printers, as outlined in its previous orders in the same matter..Kerala High Court orders ₹5k penalty for every unauthorised board in public spaces.Pertinently, the Court directed the Election Commission of India and the Kerala State Election Commission to ensure that these regulations and orders are strictly followed during election periods, with a mandate to incorporate these directives into the Model Code of Conduct in the future..The judgment passed today officially closed a batch of writ petitions that dealt with the issue of illegal billboards and banners erected on roads and other public spaces, particularly by political parties and organisations.The Court at the outset highlighted two core principles - visual pollution and destination aesthetics.It observed that these principles, which are essential to preserving the beauty of tourist destinations, are rarely taken seriously by the authorities in Kerala.The Court also noted that despite passing several orders in the matter previously ordering the removal of such boards and imposition of fines, the issue persists. While commending the Kerala government for its timely compliance with the Court's orders, the Court emphasised that strict accountability must be the way forward..Secretaries of local govt institutions will be held personally responsible for political parties' illegal flag masts: Kerala High Court.Accordingly, the State Police Chief was directed to ensure full compliance with the government circulars by all Station House Officers (SHOs) and to initiate appropriate action against any officials who fail to enforce the same.The Joint Directors of Local Self-Government Institutions were directed to conduct regular review meetings, collate reports from secretaries on a daily basis, and submit monthly updates to the Secretary of the Local Administration Department, which is responsible for implementing and coordinating the directives..Although the matter was disposed of, the Court will be taking it up on April 12 for further monitoring.By this date, the LSGI secretary has been instructed by the Court to submit a report on the establishment of an online platform for public complaints, the Road Safety Authority to report on the actions taken, and the Kerala government to provide an update on the overall progress of the directives..[Read Judgment].[Follow our live coverage of the hearing]