Tamil Nadu: Bold IPS Officer removes illegal flag poles from National Highway despite opposition from DMK supporters

In a display of fearless determination, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Udhayakumar has garnered widespread praise for his unwavering commitment to duty. Despite facing stiff opposition, ASP Udhayakumar carried out a demolition drive by removing illegal flag poles, including those belonging to the DMK party, on the national highway in Kancheepuram district.

A viral video circulating on social media has dubbed ASP Udhayakumar as the ‘real Singham’ cop from Kanchipuram, with locals and netizens showering him with bouquets of appreciation. His commendable action was prompted by a directive from the Madras High Court to remove illegal flag poles in the Sunguvarchathram bazaar area of Kancheepuram District.

However, ASP Udhayakumar encountered resistance from Sriperumbudur union committee leader Karunanidhi from the DMK party, who objected to the removal of DMK flag poles. Karunanidhi argued that the focus should be on flag poles situated on the national highway instead. Undeterred, ASP Udhayakumar reiterated that state highways and national highways are subject to the same regulations, as per the court’s orders.

Despite patient explanations from the revenue department and the police, Karunanidhi remained obstinate in his stance. ASP Udhayakumar firmly asserted his duty, stating, “I’m doing my job, don’t stop me, sue me if I’m wrong.” He proceeded to order the removal of all illegal flag poles, including those belonging to the DMK and other parties.

Netizens hailed the courageous IPS officer’s action on social media. They said that the image of the police will receive a much needed boost as it is already tarnished and the police in Tamil Nadu are looked upon as a stooge of the DMK government and are considered to be biassed.

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The Madras High Court has issued directives for the swift removal of unauthorised flagpoles installed by political parties along national highways in Tamil Nadu. The court’s decision comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Chennai-based lawyer R Ramalingam, highlighting the proliferation of illegal flagpoles and their adverse impact on public safety and traffic flow.

The PIL, brought before the bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Gangapurwala and Justice Bharatha Chakraborty on March 5, 2024, shed light on the unlawful placement of flags by various political entities along national highways. Ramalingam emphasized the need for urgent action to address this issue, citing concerns regarding public safety, particularly the obstruction of traffic, including school vehicles and ambulances.

Utilising the Right to Information Act (RTI), Ramalingam sought information regarding these unauthorised flagpoles. In response, the National Highways Authority revealed the presence of 40 illegal flagpoles across three areas: Chennai-Tada, Koyambedu-Maduravoyal, as well as 34 in Kanchipuram district and 14 in Ranipettai district.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of cooperation from the Tamil Nadu government and the police department in removing these unlawfully erected flagpoles, the court took suo moto cognizance of the matter. Consequently, the judges summoned the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu as a respondent, demanding an explanation for the non-cooperation.

During the hearing on March 11, 2024, the first bench of the Madras High Court, consisting of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy, issued a firm directive to the state police to promptly dismantle unauthorised flagpoles installed by political parties along national highways. The court emphasised that the installation of illegal flagpoles cannot be tolerated and underscored the necessity for law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against offending political parties.

Furthermore, the court ordered the Tamil Nadu police to swiftly remove such unauthorised and illegal flagpoles, warning that failure to comply would constitute contempt of court. The judges also noted the efforts made by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in removing 89 flagpoles from 45 locations, with an additional 40 yet to be dismantled.

In a proactive move, the court suo motu impleaded the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the case, recognising the need for a permanent solution to the issue. This step reflects the court’s commitment to addressing the root cause of the problem and ensuring the effective enforcement of legal provisions pertaining to the installation of flagpoles along national highways.