Balaji Krishnaswamy. T v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 26.10.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.DHANABAL T.Balaji Krishnaswamy : Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District.

2.The Commissioner of Police, Tirunelveli City.

3.The Commissioner, Tirunelveli Corporation, Tirunelveli.

4.The Divisional Engineer, Highways Department, Tirunelveli District.

: Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents herein to remove the illegal / unauthorized erection of Flex Banners, Flex Boards, Hoardings, Arhcers, Cutouts and pasting of posters and fixing of Thatty boards on the public roads, passages and pedestrail platforms 1/4

without the permission of the competent authorities within the limit of Tirunelveli City on account of the visit of the Honble Minister of Tamil Nadu on 26.10.2023 and consequently direct the respondents herein to safeguard the interest of the general public in accordance with law by considering the representations dated 22.10.2023 and 23.10.2023. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Prabakaran For Respondents : Mr.S.Shaji Bino, Special Govt. Pleader for R1 & R4 Mr.E.Antony Sahaya Prabahar, Addl. Public Prosecutor for R2 Ms.M.Anitha for R3

O R D E R

Heard both sides.

2. It is beyond dispute that petition mentioned hoardings have been unauthorizedly put up. The matter was taken up in the morning. We indicated to the learned Additional Public Prosecutor as well as the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the third respondent Corporation that the hoardings will have to be removed and an undertaking was given that the petition mentioned hoardings will be removed. 2/4

3. When the matter was taken up in the afternoon session, it was stated that 75% of the hoardings have already been removed and the remaining will be removed shortly. We record such undertaking. We further direct the respondents to take action as per law against the persons, who had illegally put up the hoardings.

4. The Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. [G.R.S.,J.] & [P.D.B.,J.] 26.10.2023 Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No vsm To 1.The District Collector, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District.

2.The Commissioner of Police, Tirunelveli City.

3.The Commissioner, Tirunelveli Corporation, Tirunelveli.

4.The Divisional Engineer, Highways Department, Tirunelveli District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

and P.DHANABAL, J.

vsm ORDER MADE IN 26.10.2023 4/4