Do Not Permit Installation Of Flag Posts By Political Parties On Public Land Till Nov 15: Kerala HC To State Govt

The High Court termed the installation of flag posts by political parties and trade unions as complete "Lawlessness" and told the government to ensure that no flag posts come up till November 15

Kerala High Court | PTI File Image

Chennai: The Kerala High Court, coming down heavily on the flag post culture in public places, directed the state government to not allow flag posts to come up in public places without the permission of the concerned authorities. The High Court termed the installation of flag posts by political parties and trade unions as complete "Lawlessness" and told the government to ensure that no flag posts come up till November 15.

According to a report on PTI, the Kerala High Court gave the order while hearing a case by cooperative society alleging that a political party was setting up flag posts on their land. On Monday, the case came up for hearing before Justice Devan Ramachandran who directed the government to conduct an audit and survey of the illegal flag masts in the state. He also said that the number of flag posts would be "mind-boggling" and the metal used to set up the flag poles can itself be used to start 10 other factories. 

The High Court said that the practice of setting up flag poles still persists despite the observation of the High Court. Hence, the Judge in this scenario asked, "Who are they (Parties) challenging? Are they challenging the HC?".

Further, the judge asked "What is the lawlessness going here?" and he recalled a letter he received where a truck driver reportedly had to pay Rs 6,000 for hitting a flagpole. 

The Court then said that the government was swift to demolish the structure on government lands but was not the same while flag posts were erupted by their party members and affiliates on public land. 

Following this, the senior counsel appearing for state government requested the Court to provide 2 weeks for filing a detailed affidavit. Granting permission, the court listed the case for hearing on November 15.