Kerala High Court Grants State 3 More Weeks To Frame Comprehensive Policy On Illegal Flag Masts

The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted three more weeks time to the State government to draw up a comprehensive policy to deal with the menace of illegal flag masts in the State.Justice Devan Ramachandran granted the extension upon noting that it is a matter of policy and since the Additional Advocate General was not keeping well at present:"...this Court is aware of the stand of the Government that they are in the process of evolving a comprehensive policy with respect to flag masts to be erected in future and those which have already been installed. Since this is a matter of policy and the learned Additional Advocate General is stated to be indisposed presently, I deem it appropriate to grant three more weeks time."This observation came after Senior Government Pleader S.Kannan requested time on behalf of Additional Advocate General Asok M.Cherian communicating that he is presently indisposed.However, it was submitted that imbibing the spirit of the orders already passed, no new flag masts are being allowed to be erected, and that action has also been taken in various districts to remove those which have been illegally done. Advocate R.T.Pradeep appearing for the petitioner also affirmed that the illegal flag masts involved in the present case have already been removed. Recording both the submissions, the Court granted three more weeks for a state policy to be evolved. Meanwhile, it has been clarified that the earlier orders issued against the District Collectors will continue to operate. It was also observed that the Court expects reports from each district regarding the action already taken with respect to illegally installed posts and flag masts.Further, the Judge made it clear that no new flag masts or posts will be allowed to be erected anywhere in Kerala until the policy is evolved by the Government.The matter will be taken up again on 21 February. Case Title: Vishnu T.K. v. State of Kerala & OrsClick Here To Read/Download The Order

Kerala High Court Grants State 3 More Weeks To Frame Comprehensive Policy On Illegal Flag Masts

Hannah M Varghese

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