Chennai sources added that the Madras High Court on Sunday directed removal of all unauthorized banners erected across the city in connection with the valedictory function of the centenary celebrations of ruling AIADMK founder and late chief minister M G Ramachandran hours ahead of the event. Meanwhile, a special bench of Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad also directed officials to ensure penal action against those who put up the banners in violation of rules.
As per the report, the bench passed the interim order on a public interest litigation by social activist "Traffic" K R Ramasamy, who sought stringent action against all those who erected unauthorized banners and flex boards across the city in view of the grand centenary celebrations being organized by the government Sunday evening. Furthermore, the petition was taken up for hearing on an urgent basis in the morning as instructed by Chief Justice V K Tahilramani.
Meanwhile, the petitioner alleged over 1,500 unauthorized banners had been erected across the city and that the authorities have turned a blind eye when the issue was brought to their knowledge. Reports stated that the statute does provide for punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or fine up to Rs 10,000 or both. Moreover, the bench directed the city corporation commissioner and his subordinates officers to follow the statutory provisions scrupulously and posted the petition to October 10 for reporting compliance.
