Bombay High Court Orders Special Drive to Remove Illegal Hoardings Before Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed civic authorities in Maharashtra to undertake a special drive to remove illegal hoardings and banners ahead of the assembly elections. The court has also warned political parties to adhere to their commitments to
Bombay High CourtIllegal HoardingsMaharashtra Assembly ElectionsCivic AuthoritiesPolitical PartiesReal Estate MaharashtraOct 09, 2024
The HC passed this directive while hearing a batch of petitions seeking the initiation of contempt proceedings against civic officials and authorities. These officials have been accused of failing to comply with a 2017 HC order, which mandated the removal of illegal hoardings and banners to prevent the defacement of public spaces.
Advocate Uday Warunjikar, representing the NGO Suswarajya Foundation, highlighted the concern that the impending elections could lead to an increase in illegal hoardings and banners. He urged the court to direct civic bodies to undertake special drives to prevent the erection of such hoardings before the Election Code of Conduct is enforced.
A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhayay and Justice Amit Borkar recognized that the methods used to put up illegal hoardings often render contempt petitions ineffective. The bench stated, “What is needed to check this menace is continuous monitoring by the court, which is more feasible in writ jurisdiction rather than contempt jurisdiction.” The original 2011 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Suswarajya Foundation was revived to address this issue.
The court reiterated that despite its repeated directives, civic bodies have failed to curb the problem of illegal hoardings and banners on public streets. These hoardings not only obstruct traffic but also pose a risk of accidents, leading to potential loss of human life. To address this, the court has ordered civic authorities to conduct a special drive lasting one to ten days, during which they must take the
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Bombay High Court order a special drive to remove illegal hoardings?
The Bombay High Court ordered a special drive to remove illegal hoardings and banners to prevent the defacement of public spaces and ensure safety, especially in anticipation of the Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2024.
What are the consequences for those who violate the court's orders?
The court has emphasized that any violation of its orders will be viewed seriously and violators may face strict actions permissible under the law.
Which civic bodies are responsible for implementing the special drive?
The civic authorities, including municipal corporations, municipal councils, and gram panchayats, are responsible for implementing the special drive to remove illegal hoardings and banners.
What role do political parties play in this issue?
Political parties are among the primary contributors to the problem of illegal hoardings and banners. They are required to adhere to the undertakings they submitted to the court, which prohibit such activities.
When will the progress of the special drive be reviewed by the court?
The progress of the special drive will be reviewed by the court on November 18.
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