Bombay HC Calls Out Political Parties For Rising Illegal Hoardings

The Bombay High Court on 19 December criticised the rampant spread of illegal hoardings and banners across Maharashtra, calling it a 'horrendous' and 'regrettable' state of affairs. A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar issued notices to major political parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The court demanded an explanation as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated for their failure to adhere to earlier court orders, as per media reports.

The court has long pushed for stringent measures against unauthorised hoardings. In 2017, it directed political parties to submit undertakings ensuring their members would not erect such banners. While these guarantees were submitted, the bench remarked on Thursday that these promises appear to have been ignored.

Taking note of the unfulfilled undertakings, the court issued show-cause notices to political parties, questioning their non-compliance with the 2017 judgment. The bench expressed disappointment over the increasing number of illegal hoardings, particularly following elections, despite previous directives.

The court also criticised local government bodies and civic authorities for their lack of enforcement. It questioned the necessity of court intervention in matters already under the purview of municipal authorities and warned that it would take strict action if the situation did not improve.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf informed the court that around 22,000 illegal hoardings had been removed after recent elections. However, the bench deemed this effort inadequate, citing the widespread scale of the issue. It further highlighted the appearance of banners near judicial premises including the high court building as a reflection of the authorities' indifference.

Despite the state government and municipal bodies’ ongoing efforts, the bench noted that the prevalence of illegal hoardings has escalated rather than diminished. It emphasised that the state government has the authority to compel civic bodies to act in line with court directives.

The court will revisit the matter on 27 January 2024 as it continues to oversee the government’s response to the issue of unauthorised hoardings in Maharashtra.