Kerala High Court ordered that no flag be planted illegally on public land (File)
Kochi:
The Kerala High Court on Monday termed the installation of illegal flag masts across the state by political parties, their allies and trade unions as “anarchy”, directing the Left government to ensure that any flagpole on public land is illegal by November 15. not be imposed.
The court also directed the state government to conduct an “audit and survey of illegal flag masts throughout the length and breadth of the state”.
“I bet the numbers will be shocking. The metal can be used to set up 10 factories,” Justice Devan Ramachandran said.
The judge said that despite the High Court’s observations against the practice, political parties in the state were “competing with each other” in putting up flag masts, regardless of which one of them was in power.
“Today there are flags of a political party in Ernakulam. They are in power. Who are they challenging? Are they challenging the High Court?” The court asked.
The judge said he received an anonymous letter from a truck driver who had to pay Rs 6,000 to a party to hit his flag on the side of the road and asked, “What is this chaos going on?”
“As we speak, political and similar flag masts are being erected in the length and breadth of the State without any relief,” the court said, adding that such establishments can be allowed only with the approval of local bodies. may also be permitted.
The court said that the government was in a hurry to demolish the structures of common citizens or poor people.porambok‘ (Government) land, but was not taking any action where illegal flag masts of political parties or their allies were concerned.
It said the “culture” of flag-hoisting by political parties in their areas of influence has “penetrated into the society”.
The court said that after erecting a flag pole, its “owners” feel that they are in possession and occupying the land and proceed to put up boards and other establishments beside or adjacent to it and “it Clearly evident in almost every area, nook and corner of the state”.
“It has to stop,” it added.
The state government, represented by senior public prosecutor S Kannan, sought two weeks’ time to file a detailed affidavit in response to the court’s questions on October 12 about how illegal flag masts were being allowed.
Noting that the time sought was excessive, the court allowed it and listed the matter for hearing on November 15.
“Till then, I am sure that no more flag masts will be erected and steps will be ensured by the state government for the same,” Justice Ramachandran said.
The direction came during the hearing of a petition by a cooperative society alleging that a particular political party was illegally planting flags and banners on its land.
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