Pictures of living persons on banners and hoardings in Tamil Nadu have been banned by the Madras High Court on Tuesday, even if the permission from the concerned authorities was obtained for placing such banners and hoardings, it won’t be allowed anymore.The court said that pictures of people sponsoring such banners will also not be allowed.
“In order to maintain a clean atmosphere in the state, and to avoid unnecessary drawings on the walls of buildings/residential places, this court directs the chief secretary to ensure that the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1959 is complied with,” said Justice S Vidyanathan. The court further added that if permission has been obtained by the authorities in placing banners , flex boards and signboards, “they shall make sure that the photographs/pictures of such persons who are alive shall not be depicted on them”.
The court passed the order on receiving a plea filed by B Thirulochana Kumari, a resident of Chennai’s Rani Anna Nagar. The petitioner had sought a court direction to the Chennai Corporation and Chennai Police Commissioner AK Viswanathan, to take steps to remove political party banners and flags, which she stated that were blocking her way to her property.
