Follow HC directions on banners: Collector

The collector conducted a meeting with all party representatives, printing press owners/associations, municipal/panchayat commissioners and explained to them about the ban on digital banners and the court order.

Speaking to reporters, Maheshwari said, “Madras High Court, in its order dated 19/12/18 has passed the ad-interim direction to all the district collectors to ensure that no digital banners/placards are erected on the either side of the roads, platforms and walkways through the State. With regard to the court direction, a meeting was conducted to explain about the order and informed the printing press peoples and the all-party representatives to ensure the court direction is followed strictly.” The collector also said that printing press owners and associations were explained on the modalities of erecting digital banners and that they would have to get prior permission from the district administration to print banners and erect them.

“The court has cleared the order that the banners should not be erected in roads and such banners will be removed. Those failing to ensure the court order will face strict action including a fine of RS 5,000 and imprisonment or even both,” collector said.

Despite the court ban, digital banners continue to prop up across the district especially during the visit of key politicians. The collectorate, which has been going slow in taking punitive action, is expected to get aggressive with the Lok Sabha polls .