High court questions BMC over political posters

Takes strong exception to celebratory posters of leaders' birthdays, says BMC should not permit it

PTI | January 28, 2011



The Bombay high court today directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take a final decision on a policy regarding illegal hoardings and banners of political parties by February 10.

The division bench of justices P B Majmudar and Amjad Sayed was hearing a PIL filed by city-based NGO Janhit Manch against illegal hoardings and banners.

"Why are political parties putting up such big posters for some leader's birthday on public roads? BMC should not be giving permission," Justice Majmudar said during the hearing.

According to the PIL, the hoardings and banners hailing political and religious leaders, or glorifying a political party, are in effect encroachments on public land.

"What is the point of looking at such birthday posters? Will the public vote for you (political party)? It is just a waste of print," Justice Majmudar remarked.

The PIL points out that illegal erection of hoardings can attract prison sentence up to three months, and fine up to Rs 2000 under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act.

It also states that trees are pruned or even cut to give better display to the banners; and electricity is often stolen to illuminate them.

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