Madras High Court Orders Immediate Removal of Illegal Hoardings in Tamil Nadu

Swift Summary

• The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to promptly remove all illegal and perilous hoardings, banners, arches, and flex-boards from public roads, pedestrian platforms, and passages.
• A Division Bench comprising Justices S.M. subramaniam and G. Arul Murugan emphasized citizen safety and held police, Revenue department officials, and local bodies accountable for removing such structures.
• Authorities who fail to act against these installations will be considered guilty of negligence or dereliction of duty. They could face disciplinary proceedings or prosecution in case of incidents arising from such negligence.
• The court criticized officials for witnessing illegal installations daily yet failing to intervene effectively.
• Political parties were noted for placing hoardings illegally during campaigns without obtaining proper permissions. the petitioner demanded strict adherence to rules by authorities when granting permissions.
• A compliance report from the Tamil Nadu government on executing this court order must be filed by August 20.

Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

Indian Opinion Analysis

The directive issued by the Madurai Bench underscores a growing concern about unauthorized hoardings posing safety risks on public roads-an issue that extends beyond aesthetics into public accountability. By holding authorities accountable through potential disciplinary measures or prosecution for inaction, this decision reflects an effort to ensure better enforcement.

For Tamil Nadu’s governance, complying with stricter removal orders could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues related to civic violations via political advertisements on flex boards or banners-ofen driven by campaigns showcasing influence rather than lawful conduct. Importantly, safeguarding pedestrians and streamlining infrastructure free of obstructions can encourage adherence to civic norms among all stakeholders.

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