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.

The Kerala High Court has asked the State Chief Secretary to file a statement on the action taken regarding the alleged violations of court directives concerning unauthorised flex hoardings in the State. 

The court cautioned the Joint Directors of Urban Affairs and Secretaries of the Local Self-Government Institutions against strict action if violations continued. The Bench remarked that it would be a ‘sheer mockery’ of the court if the authorities vested with jurisdiction over this matter ‘slumbered’ over their duties. It ordered all the Secretaries of the Local Self-Government Institutions to ensure that the territories under them are cleared out and that no further installations are allowed by ‘any class of persons.’

Justice Devan Ramachandran was considering a report by the Amicus Curiae regarding the installation of unauthorised flex boards, banners, posters and flags in public places across various parts of the State. 

FIFA World Cup

It was reported that as part of the widespread celebrations of the FIFA World Cup 2026, several unauthorised hoardings, posters and national flags of participating countries were erected in public spaces. These displays were found fastened to pedestrian railings, lamp posts and other public infrastructure using plastic ropes and similar materials. Oversized flex boards were also seen on public land without permission. 

In Thiruvananthapuram, boards and flags were observed in a continuous row along the road leading to the Forest Headquarters, Vazhuthacaud, attached to handrails and blocking pedestrian pathways. It was noted that the displays were in connection with an election to a merchants’ association, and that the candidates were the major violators.

Hundreds of flags and flex boards erected by the Forest Protective Staff Association in the Chinnakkada roundabout in Kollam were brought to the court’s notice. The board erected by the Indian Youth Congress in Ponmundam, Malappuram, for the Standing Counsel of the Kerala Pollution Control Board was also reported to the court, and the irony of the violation was not lost on the Bench. 

The court stated that it was aware of the protocols issued in Tamil Nadu regarding the unauthorised fixation of flex boards to curb visual pollution.