HC seeks action against political parties defacing public places

Shimla, Nov 1: Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state Chief Electoral Officer to explain what action was taken against the political parties and candidates found guilty of pasting posters on public properties throughout the city. A Division Bench comprising the Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Jutice Ajay Mohan Goel passed the orders on Tuesday on a petition filed by Advocate Deven Khanna. The petitioner alleged in the petition that according to newspaper reports, it has come to light that some political parties have launched wall writing campaigns across the state and that these parties have hired wall painters for the job. He also alleged that political parties were painting every possible place with their slogans and appeal for vote. Writing on walls of government properties is prohibited under the Himachal Pradesh Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement Act), 1985. The petitioner has prayed that necessary directions be issued to the State to ensure that no wall writing, pasting of posters or papers or defacement in any other form, or erecting or displaying of cutouts, hoardings, banners flags etc, be permitted on any public property and also at a Government premise (including civil structures therein). During the hearing of petition, the petitioner brought it to the notice of the Court that the candidates as also the political parties, with impunity, have violated the orders passed by this Court and, as such, were also in breach of the provisions of Stature, rendering themselves to be liable to be prosecuted under the provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Open Places(Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1985. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 7. UNI