Kerala High Court: Election Commission Can Remove Unauthorized Flags, Banners Irrespective of Party Affiliation

The Kerala High Court held that the Election Commission has full authority to remove unauthorized flags, banners, and campaign material irrespective of which political party installed them. The Court stressed that public spaces cannot be encroached upon for political gains and that electoral fairness requires a level playing field. It clarified that this power exists even outside the strict election notification period. The judgment strengthens regulatory oversight of political campaigning and prevents misuse of public property for partisan activities.