Kerala High Court gives local bodies final chance to remove illegal hoardings

The Kerala High Court has directed the State Chief Secretary to submit a report on actions taken against unauthorised flex hoardings, following reports that court orders were being ignored. The court also granted local bodies a final opportunity to clear their jurisdictions of illegal installations.

Justice Devan Ramachandran, hearing a petition on the matter, warned that strict action would be taken against Joint Directors of Urban Affairs and Secretaries of Local Self-Government Institutions if violations continued. The Bench remarked that it would be a 'sheer mockery' of the court if authorities vested with jurisdiction over this issue 'slumbered' over their duties.

The court ordered all Secretaries of Local Self-Government Institutions to ensure that their territories are cleared of unauthorised flex boards, banners, posters, and flags. It also directed that no further installations be allowed by any class of persons.

The order came while the court was considering a report by the Amicus Curiae regarding the widespread installation of unauthorised display materials in public places across the state. The report highlighted violations during FIFA World Cup 2026 celebrations, with hoardings and national flags of participating countries erected on pedestrian railings, lamp posts, and other public infrastructure using plastic ropes and similar materials. Oversized flex boards were also found on public land without permission.

In Thiruvananthapuram, boards and flags were observed in a continuous row along the road leading to the Forest Headquarters, Vazhuthacaud. These displays were attached to handrails and blocked pedestrian pathways. The report noted that the displays were connected to an election to a merchants' association, and that the candidates were the major violators.

In Kollam, hundreds of flags and flex boards erected by the Forest Protective Staff Association at the Chinnakkada roundabout were brought to the court's attention. Similarly, a board erected by the Indian Youth Congress in Ponmundam, Malappuram, for the Standing Counsel of the Kerala Pollution Control Board was also reported. The Bench noted the irony of the violation.

The court also stated that it was aware of protocols issued in Tamil Nadu to curb visual pollution caused by unauthorised fixation of flex boards. The Kerala High Court's latest directive serves as a final warning to local bodies to comply with existing orders or face consequences.