Thiruvananthapuram: Local Self-Government (LSG) bodies in Kerala have imposed fines totalling Rs.40.84 lakh on political parties for illegally erecting flags and hoardings along roadsides, following a directive from the Kerala High Court. Of this, only Rs.7,000 has been collected so far.

With most LSG institutions controlled by one political party or another, doubts remain over whether the remaining amount will ever be recovered. Similarly, of the Rs.1.94 lakh imposed on government departments and institutions, including those related to the "Karuthalam Kaithangum" grievance redressal adalats, not a single rupee has been collected till now.

These penalties were imposed as part of a 10-day intensive drive initiated by the LSG bodies on the High Court's orders. The drive resulted in total fines amounting to Rs.7.58 lakh. If all fines are to be effectively collected, the LSG bodies could receive Rs.1.29 crore.

The cost of removing over 50,000 unauthorised boards and flags across the state is estimated at Rs.5.02 lakh. Despite, the large-scale removal of the unauthorised displays, only four private firms in Kollam district have faced prosecution. No cases have been initiated against any political parties or other entities in this regard. The majority of the removed items belonged to political parties, while banners and hoardings were primarily linked to private establishments.

Ernakulam district accounted for the highest number of boards and hoardings removed, while Palakkad saw the most flags and banners taken down.

Data of illegal flags and hoardings removed 

Boards: 33,238

Banners: 7,837

Flags: 6,604

Hoardings: 2,535

Total: 50,214

Fines imposed and collected:

Private Firms: Rs.58.55 lakh, Rs.7.19 lakh

Religious/Other Establishments: Rs.27.27 lakh, Rs.32,400

Political Parties: Rs.40.84 lakh, Rs.7,000

Government Departments: Rs.1.94 lakh, Rs.0