Madras High Court Quashes FIR over TVK MLA’s Unauthorised Banners

The Madras High Court quashed an FIR against MLA P. Saravanan concerning allegedly unauthorised political banners erected near a marriage hall.

Background and dispute

Police had invoked Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act after observing banners reportedly erected without permission.

Legal issue and court’s approach

Justice V. Lakshminarayanan noted the absence of destruction of a public structure and considered continuation of the prosecution an abuse of process in the circumstances. The order is limited to the FIR under challenge.

Order and practical consequence

The impugned criminal proceedings against Saravanan were terminated.