Thane Court Acquits Man in Case of Unauthorized Birthday Banners for Political Workers
A Thane court has acquitted a 46-year-old man accused of illegally erecting birthday congratulatory banners for political workers without municipal permission, citing multiple lapses in the police investigation.
Thane CourtBirthday BannersPolitical WorkersAcquittalInvestigation LapsesReal Estate MumbaiNov 14, 2025
The case dates back to July 4, 2018, when two banners were allegedly erected near the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) headquarters and SM building in the Khopat area. The banners carried birthday wishes for political workers: one for Jai Prakash (Siddhu) Yadav, dated July 5, and another for Prakash (Babu) Raul, dated July 3.
Mahesh Palvankar, the then officiating officer of the Uthalsar Division Committee, filed a complaint stating that the banners were put up without TMC's permission, defacing the city's aesthetics. A case was subsequently registered at Naupada police station under sections 3 and 4 of the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995.
However, during the trial, glaring procedural gaps emerged. The court noted that neither the complainant nor the investigating officer seized the actual banners as evidence. No CCTV footage was obtained to identify who installed the banners, and no independent witnesses were examined.
Magistrate Ruchi R Bhagat noted that while the accused's name appeared on the banner, this alone was insufficient to establish guilt. 'The investigation suffers from multiple defects. The prosecution has failed to prove the essential ingredients of the offence beyond reasonable doubt,' the court stated.
This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the need for proper evidence collection. It also underscores the legal principle that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and any reasonable doubt can lead to an acquittal.
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is a local government body responsible for the administration and development of the Thane city. It plays a crucial role in maintaining public facilities and ensuring the well-being of its residents. The decision by the court is expected to set a precedent for similar cases in the future, emphasizing the need for meticulous and diligent police work in such instances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main reason for the acquittal?
The main reason for the acquittal was the multiple lapses in the police investigation, including the failure to seize the actual banners as evidence, lack of CCTV footage, and no independent witnesses examined.
Under which sections was the case registered?
The case was registered under sections 3 and 4 of the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995.
Who filed the complaint against the accused?
Mahesh Palvankar, the then officiating officer of the Uthalsar Division Committee, filed the complaint against the accused.
What did the court note about the investigation?
The court noted that the investigation suffered from multiple defects, including the failure to prove the essential ingredients of the offence beyond reasonable doubt.
What is the role of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC)?
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is a local government body responsible for the administration and development of the Thane city, including maintaining public facilities and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
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