Bombay High Court Orders Removal of Illegal Hoardings Before Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has instructed civic bodies in Maharashtra to conduct a special drive to remove illegal hoardings and banners, which are expected to increase due to the upcoming assembly elections.
Bombay High CourtMaharashtra Assembly ElectionsIllegal HoardingsCivic AuthoritiesContempt ProceedingsReal Estate MumbaiOct 09, 2024
The HC issued this direction while hearing a batch of petitions that sought the initiation of contempt proceedings against civic officials and authorities for failing to comply with a 2017 court order. This earlier order mandated that the state's streets be kept free from illegal hoardings and banners. The court has further instructed the authorities to take strict action against those who violate these rules.
Advocate Uday Warunjikar, representing the NGO Suswarajya Foundation, highlighted the concern that the period leading up to the elections could see a surge in illegal hoardings and banners, as political entities might take advantage of the last few days before the Election Code of Conduct is enforced. He urged the court to order the civic bodies to launch special drives to prevent the erection of such hoardings.
Chief Justice DK Upadhayay and Justice Amit Borkar acknowledged that the methods used by those who put up illegal hoardings make the adjudication of contempt petitions ineffective. They emphasized that continuous monitoring by the court is more suitable to address this issue, which can be better managed through the writ jurisdiction of the court rather than contempt proceedings. The bench revived the original 2011 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Suswarajya Foundation to address this concern.
The court noted that despite its repeated directives, civic bodies have failed to control the problem of hoardings and banners on public streets. These hoardings not only obstruct transportation but also cause accidents that can result in the loss of human life. To combat this, the court has ordered a special drive to last for one week to 10 days. During this period, the authorities are instructed to take the strictest possible actions permitted by law against violators. The police have been directed to provide necessary cooperation to ensure the success of this drive.
To make the special drive effective, the court has asked district collectors, sub-divisional officers, and other revenue officers to take a personal interest and extend their cooperation. District collectors have been instructed to convene a meeting within three days to formulate strategies. This meeting will include chief executives of municipal councils and gram panchayats, heads of police administration, and other relevant officers. The municipal commissioners and CEOs of the concerned civic bodies have been directed to file detailed affidavits outlining the steps taken during the special drive, along with necessary data.
The court pointed out that political parties and socio-religious organizations are the primary contributors to illegal hoardings and banners on public streets. The bench reminded these parties of their commitments and the circulars issued to their workers to refrain from illegal acts. The court stressed that these undertakings must be strictly followed, and any violations will be dealt with severely. The matter has been kept for further hearing on November 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Bombay High Court order the removal of illegal hoardings?
The Bombay High Court ordered the removal of illegal hoardings to prevent the proliferation of such hoardings and banners during the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, which can pose safety risks and obstruct public streets.
What are the consequences for political parties that violate the court's directive?
Political parties that violate the court's directive will face severe consequences, as the court has emphasized that any violation of the commitments given will be viewed seriously.
How long will the special drive to remove illegal hoardings last?
The special drive to remove illegal hoardings will last for one week to 10 days, during which the authorities will take the strictest possible actions against violators.
Who are the primary contributors to illegal hoardings and banners on public streets?
Political parties and socio-religious organizations are the primary contributors to illegal hoardings and banners on public streets, according to the court.
What role do district collectors and other officials play in the special drive?
District collectors, sub-divisional officers, and other revenue officers are directed to take personal interest and extend cooperation. They are also tasked with convening meetings to formulate strategies and ensure the success of the special drive.
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