Banners: HC directs Corpn to study Indian Road Congress guidelines

Taking strong exception to a section of the media reporting that the court granted permission for installation of banners during Indo-China informal summit, a division bench comprising Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice N Seshasayee said while the court had only asked the government to abide by the rules, the reports emanated seemed as if it was partial to politicians.

Also slamming the counsels for failing to read the orders thoroughly, the bench said, “Next time, if we come across misreporting of court orders, everybody will be put to the pain of contempt. Enough is enough for us.” The added that the court orders were sensationalised ‘because it was comforting to certain ears’.

The bench also pulled up the counsel appearing for Traffic KR Ramaswamy for seeking blanket ban on all banners without studying the rules like Section 326A of the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act. It then directed the Corporation to peruse IRC guidelines, including no advertisements on highways except signboards on facilities like hospitals and bus stations.

Taking stock of the plea moved by R Subashri’s father seeking Rs 1 crore compensation for her death, the bench led by Justice Sathyanarayanan observed that as per law, the family must seek claim through Motor Vehicles Act and common law remedy. However, the bench directed the Corporation to submit their response on the compensation sought.

The status report submitted by the police revealed that the charge sheet and final report regarding illegal installation of the banner has been filed before the Alandur Judicial Magistrate, which is yet to be taken on file while the final report regarding traffic investigation by the St Thomas Mount Police would be filed soon.

Meanwhile, as sought by the court, the ruling AIADMK filed an affidavit stating that its cadres have been instructed to avoid the installation of cutouts, flex boards and banners. Deputy secretary JCD Prabakar submitted that the AIADMK has restrained cadres from erecting cutouts, flex boards or banners that would cause difficulty to the general public.

After Traffic Ramaswamy submitted photographs of banners and arches installed for Vikravandi bypoll, the DMK counsel sought time to respond. The bench posted all the pleas for further hearing to November 22.