Ramanathapuram
This year, Pasumpon, the native town of freedom fighter Muthuramalinga Thevar in Kamuthi block would be free from banners and flex boards on roadsides during the 112th birth anniversary and 57th Guru puja of the leader on October 30 as the district administration and police denied permission.
“Flex banners and boards on roadsides will not be permitted this year, both inside and outside Pasumpon during Thevar Jayanthi in view of the court orders and existing laws,” Collector K Veera Raghava Rao has said. As per the existing laws and court orders, permission would not be given for roadside banners and warned action against those who violated the orders.
Sector magistrates, police and local body officials would monitor the situation and file status reports to the officials, he said. Action would also be taken against those who would resort to illegal wall writings under the Tamil Nadu Open Places Prevention of Disfigurement Act, he added.
Superintendent of Police Omprakash Meena said except backdrop banner at the officials function, no banner or flex boards would be allowed, he said and warned stern action against those who violated the orders.
The Madras High Court had recently ordered strict enforcement of the ban after the tragic death of a Chennai Techie when a roadside banner fell on her while she was riding a two-wheeler.
Last year, Pasumpon witnessed a riot-like situation when supporters of TTV Dhinakaran went on a rampage and tore down the banners erected by ruling party office bearers, welcoming Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.
They tore down almost all the banners and flex boards installed on either side of the half-a-km-long road from the arch at the entrance to the memorial inside Pasumpon.