Kochi: Kerala High Court on Monday banned the use of flex boards in the campaign for the ensuing general elections. The interim order was issued by a division bench headed by the chief justice on a public interest litigation filed by Attingal native B.S. Syam Kumar. The order also said that only environment-friendly materials and nothing non-biodegradable should be used in the campaign.
The court pointed out that already there is an instruction of the Election Commission in force not to use articles like flex for boards and banners. This was issued based on a recommendation of the Union Forest and Environment Ministry. The EC had given a letter to the parties making this clear on February 26. When it was asked whether this is part of the model code of conduct, the petitioner said yes. Following this, the court ordered to ban the same.
The litigant alleged that the state government was not taking measures to prevent the use and sale of PVC flex. PVC flexes cause maximum damage to the environment.
