Restore real face of monuments in 60 days: HC

Granting two months’ time to complete the process of removing such paintings and posters as sought for by the government, the first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan said, “A review of the situation would be taken after two months and if any violation is found, contempt action will be taken against the jurisdictional collector.” The bench also pointed out that  the fine amount of Rs.500 as per the Tamil Nadu Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement)  Act, 1959 was very minimal. The Bench asked the administration to ensure that the cost of removing the defacement is recovered from the offending party.The petitioner had contended that graffiti on walls and public buildings is a common sight in the state, with political parties and other organisations violating the law without fear of punishment. Walls covered with murals were white washed only to be defaced again for lauding political leaders or pasting advertisements, he added. The court in its earlier hearing had come down heavily on the political parties for being the major offenders in such defacement. It had also directed the respective district administration to collect adequate evidence to fix responsibility on the offending parties.