Authorities "Afraid" To Act Against Illegal Flag-Masts Erected By Political Parties: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday reiterated its previous observation regarding permanent flag-masts being illegal as per the provisions of the Land Conservancy Act, and expressed its hope that the Government would come out with a policy of removing old masts and inhibiting the erection of new ones in its place.Justice Devan Ramachandran observed that, "solely because they are put up by. The Kerala High Court on Wednesday reiterated its previous observation regarding permanent flag-masts being illegal as per the provisions of the Land Conservancy Act, and expressed its hope that the Government would come out with a policy of removing old masts and inhibiting the erection of new ones in its place. Justice Devan Ramachandran observed that, " solely because they are put up by powerful interests, including political parties, Trade Unions and such other entities, the competent Authorities are either non-willing or afraid to act". The Court had earlier issued a direction to the competent authority to issue circulars within the ambit of the Land Conservancy Act, suggesting the manner and mode under which the existing illegal permanent flag masts would be regulated and removed.