The Bombay High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Maharashtra government and local civic bodies for their inadequate enforcement of orders aimed at curtailing illegal hoardings and banners across the state.
During a hearing on Monday, the division bench, comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, emphasized the personal responsibility of the highest-ranking officials within the concerned authorities to uphold the court’s directives. The High Court has consistently demanded stringent measures against the proliferation of unauthorized banners, especially from political parties, and required all parties to commit formally to abstaining from such practices.
Despite previous mandates, the problem has persisted, prompting the court to direct municipal councils to initiate special drives for the removal of these hoardings following the recent election results—a period typically seeing a spike in such activities.
State advocate Neha Bhide reported that in response to the court’s orders, municipal councils conducted targeted operations against 7,729 illegal hoardings, levied fines totaling Rs 3,16,800, and registered three FIRs against violators.
The bench, however, underscored the necessity of continuing these drives even post-election to prevent a resurgence in illegal advertising. The court remarked on the apparent disregard by political entities for their prior commitments: “Although almost all parties have pledged to avoid erecting illegal banners, the reality on the ground reflects a different scenario, compelling us to take judicial notice,” stated the bench.
The justices reiterated the potential severe consequences for any breaches of the undertaking by political parties and instructed civic bodies to submit comprehensive reports on the measures taken against the unauthorized displays.
