Kerala High Court slams negligible fine recovery on unauthorised flags

The Kerala High Court has sharply criticised state authorities and local self-government institutions for failing to impose and recover fines on unauthorised flags, boards and other installations. Justice Devan Ramachandran observed that the apparent inaction was costing the state crores of rupees in revenue. The court was hearing a review petition related to a 2018 plea that had already declared such installations illegal.

The court noted a discrepancy between the number of installations removed and the fines collected. While statements showed many boards and flags taken down, the fine columns often read “zero” or negligible amounts. The court recalled its earlier direction that a fine of Rs 5,000 be imposed on each installation, which the government had accepted. It described the authorities’ conduct as “virtually a criminal action” and warned that secretaries would be personally liable if fines were not properly imposed and recovered.

The state government pleader and standing counsel sought time to explain how fines would be imposed and collected. The court adjourned the matter to September 3 for further consideration.