HC bans political banners, mass transport of voters

A division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice SS Sundar said, “The principal bench of this court already passed an order of injunction prohibiting the erection of any flex board and banners. Since it happens to be election time, there is a possibility of erecting numerous flex boards, cut-outs and banners.

“For the manufacture of these banners and cut outs, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), is used, which is toxic. This causes health hazards, including cancer, disruption of endocrine system, reproductive impairment and birth defects. In view of this, there shall be a direction prohibiting the use of banners, flex boards, PVC cut-outs etc, by anybody including politicians,” the bench said.

Also, taking strong exception to political parties bringing people from outside constituencies by engaging lorry, buses, autos and other vehicles to show their might, the bench prohibited the use of mass transportation during the elections.

Noting that if the people wanted to attend the meetings on their own, they can come and that political parties cannot spend extra money for transportation, the bench directed the authorities not to allow any mass transportation of people to either the election venue or for any procession to be taken out by the parties except as per the law.

Thereafter, the bench on suo motu impleading as many as 16 political parties including BJP, Congress, AIADMK and DMK in this regard, issued notice to them returnable by March 21, when the case is scheduled to be taken up for further hearing.