Banners, cutouts, etc. of political leaders for temporary events a menace: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court on Tuesday opined that the State should take measures to discourage and completely stop the practice of putting up posters, cutouts, banners, etc. featuring political leaders for temporary events such as marriages or other events. (KR Mohanraj v. The Government of Tamil Nadu and ors).The Court took note of the concern that posters, cutouts, etc. of political leaders are being put up in footpaths, pathways and even parts of roads and highways for minor functions. .Such temporary constructions are especially dangerous when they are put up in intersections as welcome arches to invite political leaders, the Court observed. These temporary constructions are seen to come up all over the place and remain long after the event is over, the Court further stated in its order..The Bench went on to emphasise that a comprehensive set of guidelines needs to be issued and the State should indicate appropriate measures necessary to discourage and completely stop the practice, which impedes pedestrian and vehicular movement. Disincentives or penalties could be suggested against such temporary constructions being put in any public space, the Court said..The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice PD Audikesavalu was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the issue, wherein the petitioner had recounted that a boy recently passed away after he was electrocuted while erecting a DMK flagpole for an event. .Appearing for the incumbent DMK-led State government, Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram assured the Court that the party's leader and present Chief Minister MK Stalin had ordered that no one in the party should erect banners, posters or cutouts as earlier as in June 2019. .The Advocate General added that Chief Minister Stalin had also stated that he would not attend meetings where his pictures are displayed in banners. .He, however, acknowledged that it is part of the general culture and practice in Tamil Nadu for people to put up their images in banners even for marriages. .Chief Justice Banerjee recounted that he had also seen banners on village roads when he was visiting certain districts over some weekends. "The funniest part of it was, since I was traveling with escort, I was almost mobbed because they thought the guest had arrived", he added. .The Chief Justice further opined, "This is a menace that is there more in Puducherry. We have issued orders to bring them down. I don't know what pleasure it gives, these hideous, larger than life images ...".Agreeing with the Chief Justice, the Advocate General added that it is a form of "visual pollution.".The Court has issued notice to all the respondents in the matter. The Advocate General today took notice for all State-respondents. .The matter will be heard next on November 30. The petitioner has also made prayers for compensation. .[Read Order]