HC allows installation of LED flood lighting despite model code of conduct

A division bench comprising Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad, took note of the fact that work order for this has already been issued but was kept pending due to the model code of conduct. “Since public safety is of paramount importance, we make it clear and direct the Corporation to install the said floodlight fittings forthwith.”

The Coastal Zone Authority had accorded clearance for lighting the Marina and relaying the loop road with cement concrete without extending its width and beautification such as gallery, planter box, seaside footpath, ornamental items and with the existing lighting arrangements. During the turtle nesting period from December to February every year, the streetlights should be switched of from 11 pm to 5 am.

On the batch of writ petitions seeking the regulation of street vendors in Marina beach, as the vendors’ association had objected to the clause that the shops would be permitted to be opened between 4 pm and 9pm, Additional Advocate General SR Rajagopal informed the bench that the shops would be permitted to be opened from 2 pm to 9 pm, with a grace time of half an hour if required.

The bench recorded the association’s consent as well as zone-wise allotment and allocation of 48 square feet of space for each shop. The association also consented that they would bring only push carts and would not make any temporary or permanent structure on the beach. Thereafter, the bench granted time to the AAG to work out the details of the number of shops to be accommodated, the location, the way the shops would be arrayed and usage of LPG cylinders.