Kerala High Court slams State for crores in unpaid fines on illegal banners

The Kerala High Court on Friday sharply criticised state authorities and local self-government bodies for failing to collect fines on unauthorised flags, boards and hoardings, saying the inaction was costing the State crores of rupees in revenue. Justice Devan Ramachandran noted a discrepancy between the number of installations removed, as reported by the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam Corporations and an affidavit sworn by the Chief Secretary, and the fines shown as imposed or collected. LiveLaw reports the Court observed that the columns for fines showed either "zero" or negligible amounts.

The Court had earlier directed a fine of ₹5,000 per installation. LiveLaw quotes Justice Ramachandran as saying the State was losing valuable revenue and called the authorities' conduct "virtually a criminal action" that denuded the State treasury. The Hindu adds that the Court reproached the Joint Directors of Urban Affairs for not filing reports on implementation. The Court reiterated that Secretaries and other responsible officials would be personally liable if fines were not imposed and collected properly, and placed them under notice of their statutory duty.

The Government Pleader and standing counsel sought time to explain how fines would be imposed and recovered. The Court adjourned the matter to September 3 for further consideration.