State authorities and local self-government bodies have come under fire for their alleged failure to penalise and collect fines for the use of unauthorised flags, boards, and other illegal installations.

Kerala High Court observed that the State was “losing valuable revenue” through non-compliance with its order to impose a fine of ₹5000 on each board and installation.

Justice Devan Ramachandran made these observations while reviewing a plea against visual pollution in the form of flex boards, banners, and other unauthorised installations.

The Court noted a discrepancy between the number of flags, boards, and other installations removed and the fines collected in this regard, as reported by the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam Corporations, as well as in an affidavit sworn by the Chief Secretary of the State. Criticising the lack of recovery, the court stated that the authorities concerned would be held responsible for imposing and collecting fines based on the number of installations.

The Court reproached the Joint Directors of Urban Affairs for not filing reports on the implementation of court directives and the removal of unauthorised flex hoardings. Previously, the Bench had directed all Local Self-Government Institutions to remove unauthorised hoardings and ensure that no further installations are allowed.