Fri Feb 07 15:56:48 UTC 2025: ## Madurai Court Awards ₹2 Lakh Ex Gratia to Family of Woman Killed by Falling Flex Board
**Madurai, Tamil Nadu, February 7, 2025** – The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu state government to pay ₹2 lakh in ex gratia compensation from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the family of a woman who died after a flex board fell on her.
Vijayarani, the deceased, was riding pillion on a motorcycle in April 2021 when a “Kanneer Anjali” (condolence) flex board, erected without permission by M. Ravichandhiran following his father’s death, collapsed due to strong winds. The incident occurred at the Mettupatti bus stop in Orathanadu taluk, Thanjavur district. Vijayarani sustained fatal head injuries and died the following day.
Her husband, M. Samikkannu, filed a petition seeking action against officials responsible and compensation for his wife’s death. While the court found no negligence on the part of the District Collector or other authorities, it acknowledged the circumstances and awarded the ex gratia payment. The court noted that while Ravichandhiran was responsible for erecting the unauthorized flex board, the District Collector was not obligated to conduct inspections to prevent such occurrences. The court cited Rule 7 of the Tamil Nadu Local Bodies (Permission for Erection of Digital Banners and Placards) Rules, 2011, which pertains to the removal of unauthorized signage.
Despite a police investigation and a final report filed against Ravichandhiran, the court opted for the ex gratia payment as a compassionate measure.
First Piper 