In a landmark ruling on Thursday, the Kerala High Court declared that printers and advertisers will be held responsible for illegal hoardings put up by their clients. The court emphasized that the secretaries of local self-government institutions (LSGIs) will personally bear the responsibility for removing unauthorized boards and flags, both now and in the future.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, in his judgment in St. Stephen’s Malankara Catholic Church Kattanam Village v. State of Kerala, reiterated that failure to remove illegal hoardings would result in fines, FIR registrations, and further action against advertising agencies and printing presses. The court also directed the Election Commission of India and the Kerala State Election Commission to integrate these regulations into the Model Code of Conduct during election periods.
The ruling seeks to curb visual pollution and ensure the aesthetic preservation of Kerala’s public spaces, particularly in tourist destinations. While acknowledging the government’s compliance with past orders, the court stressed the need for stricter enforcement and accountability.
To ensure implementation, the Kerala High Court has ordered the State Police Chief to oversee compliance, with local authorities required to submit regular reports. The case will be reviewed again on April 12, with directives for updates on enforcement measures, a public complaint platform, and road safety improvements.
