Unauthorized flex boards: HC fixes onus on LSGI secys

Kochi: If any unauthorized flex boards and advertisements are found after October 30, the secretaries of the local self-government institutions (LSGIs) should be held personally liable, the high court has directed.
The order was issued by Justice Devan Ramachandran while considering two petitions highlighting the menace of flex boards and unauthorized advertisements in public space.

In his interim order issued on Tuesday Justice Devan said that any unauthorized flex boards, billboards, advertisement boards and flags which remain after October 30 will be the personal responsibility of the LSGI secretary and the concerned field staff. If these boards are not removed by 30th, the charges for such removal, the penalties to be levied and the advertisement tariff that may become applicable on such boards, will be levied from the secretary and the staff.

These officers, if found culpable, will also be proceeded under law by the government, the order added.

The court also ordered Kollam corporation secretary to appear before it at the next hearing for failing to file an affidavit explaining steps taken to remove unauthorized flex boards and advertisements.

State attorney K V Sohan submitted that the action being taken by LSGIs are being closely monitored and that the government will not rest until the last of the unauthorized boards are removed.

The court will hear the case again on November 13th.