No banners for persons who are alive: Madras High Court

Justice S Vaidyanathan, while directing the removal of a banner installed by a political party blocking entry to a house in Arumbakkam, also insisted that that the photographs of those who sponsor the banners shall not be depicted in such banners. 

The judge also held that, “in order to maintain clean atmosphere across TN and avoid unnecessary drawings on the walls of buildings/ residential blocks, this court directs the CS to ensure that the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act 1959, amended from time to time, are complied with.” He also directed the Chief Secretary to send circulars to all office bearers of the wards of civic bodies in the state. 

The petitioner B Thirulochana Kumari had moved the court seeking to remove the party board, banner and flag put up by one Mathi in front of her property at Arumbakkam in April 2017. She sent a representation to the Corporation and lodged a complaint with Arumbakkam police on April 13. As the police failed to take appropriate action, she approached the Corporation again on May 30. Following this the banner was removed, but put up again. This led to Kumari approaching HC.