BJP's Thiruvananthapuram District Committee Penalized ₹19.7 Lakh for Unauthorised Political Displays
In a significant enforcement action, the BJP-ruled Thiruvananthapuram city corporation has imposed a substantial fine of ₹19.7 lakh on the party's own district committee for erecting unauthorised flex boards, banners, and party flags across public spaces. This development occurred just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the Kerala state capital on Friday, highlighting the civic body's commitment to maintaining urban decorum regardless of political affiliations.
Public Complaints and Court Orders Trigger Action
The corporation's decision followed widespread public complaints and clear violations of high court orders aimed at preventing the obstruction of pedestrian pathways and misuse of public land for political displays. Civic officials confirmed that a formal penalty notice was served to BJP Thiruvananthapuram district president Karamana Jayan after the party failed to comply with repeated directives to remove the installations.
Many of these unauthorised displays featured images of Prime Minister Modi and other senior BJP leaders. They were strategically placed on footpaths, road dividers, and various other public areas without obtaining prior permission, which prompted strong objections from local residents and public rights advocacy groups.
Partial Compliance and Detailed Survey
Despite an explicit order from the corporation issued on Thursday evening demanding the removal of all banners within two hours, compliance remained only partial. Officials noted that while some boards blocking footpaths were taken down, numerous others continued to occupy public spaces. This incomplete response led the civic body to conduct a detailed survey of all unauthorised installations along major stretches from Thiruvananthapuram airport to Putharikandam Maidan—a key route included in the Prime Minister's itinerary.
Based on this comprehensive assessment, the fine amount was meticulously calculated and officially issued to the BJP district committee, reflecting the scale and impact of the violations.
Legal Escalation and FIR Registration
In addition to the financial penalty, the matter was escalated to law enforcement authorities. The Cantonment police registered a First Information Report (FIR) late Friday night against district president Karamana Jayan, based on a formal complaint filed by the corporation secretary. According to the FIR, the illegal flex boards and banners were installed across multiple locations, including from Palayam junction to Pulimoodu junction.
The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Kerala Police Act, underscoring the legal seriousness of the violations and the authorities' determination to uphold public space regulations.
Corporation's Non-Political Stance
Corporation secretary Jahamgeer S emphasized that the enforcement action was not politically motivated. "This is a routine process," he stated, noting that the civic body has previously imposed fines on various institutions, political parties, and government units for similar violations. "This is not the first time a political party was fined. We fined the CPM when it was in power and recently penalised the PRD too. These actions are based on high court orders, not politics," he added, reinforcing the corporation's impartial approach to urban governance.
High Court's Strong Displeasure
The Kerala High Court on Friday expressed strong displeasure over the continued installation of unauthorised boards and flags in public spaces across the state. The court described the persistent practice as "shocking and disturbing" despite earlier judicial orders aimed at curbing such activities. It stressed that visible on-ground compliance, rather than mere verbal assurances, must be evident to uphold pedestrian rights and prevent the misuse of civic amenities.
Authorities have been directed to file detailed enforcement reports, ensuring accountability and transparency in the implementation of court directives to protect public spaces from unauthorized political encroachments.
