Wed Oct 08 14:25:16 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:

**Headline: Consumer Group Condemns Tamil Nadu’s Median Ad Amendment, Cites Safety Concerns**

**Coimbatore, October 8, 2025** – The Coimbatore Consumer Cause is challenging the Tamil Nadu government over a recent amendment to the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, 2023, that now permits illuminated advertisements on road medians. The consumer group argues the change endangers public safety and violates previous court orders.

In a notice addressed to the Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department, the organisation’s secretary, K. Kathirmathiyon, stated that the amendment, issued via G.O. No. 3 dated January 7, 2025, was not publicly disclosed. It permits 1.0 m × 0.6 m advertisements on medians, a practice previously banned.

According to Kathirmathiyon, “The amendment came to our notice only when advertising firms approached local bodies seeking permission to erect such displays.” He added that after discovering the Chennai Corporation was considering allowing the ads, a contempt notice was issued to the Chennai Corporation Commissioner and the MAWS Secretary.

The group cited a 2019 public interest litigation filed after a woman was killed in Chennai by a falling digital banner on a median. This case led to the assurance from the state government that the new rules would ban digital banners.

The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines, which prohibit median advertisements due to driver distraction, are also referenced. The consumer group reminded the government of previous High Court orders requiring adherence to IRC norms and the removal of existing median advertisements.

The Coimbatore Consumer Cause has demanded the government withdraw the amendment and remove all advertisements from medians immediately, warning of further legal action if their demands are not met.

**Analysis:**

* The summary focuses on the core issue: The objection to the amendment.
* Key details about the organization, the amendment, the reason for the objection, previous incidents, and the demand are included.
* The news article format (headline, dateline, lead paragraph) is used.
* The language is more neutral and objective, as is expected in news reporting.
* Direct quotes are used to give credibility and impact.

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