HC Directs BBMP To Increase Safety Measures Against Unauthorised Hoardings & Flexes

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is finalising the BBMP (Advertisement) By-laws 2024, utilising its authority under Sections 318, 157 and 319 of the BBMP Act 2020.

On Monday, the High Court directed the BBMP to maintain rigorous oversight and continue its efforts to regulate unauthorised hoardings and flexes with a focus on pedestrian safety. The order was issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind, following a review of the affidavit submitted by the civic agency, as per media reports.

In an affidavit submitted by BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath, it was reported that 9,761 illegal flexes, banners, LEDs and hoardings have been removed. Additionally, FIRs have been filed in 154 cases across various zones with fines totalling Rs 3,09,400 imposed.

The affidavit further detailed the formation of 196 enforcement teams and the identification of 282 printing presses with orders issued against 277 for printing flexes and banners without authorisation. Raids conducted on printing presses in Mahadevapura and Rajarajeshwarinagar zones led to the seizure of approximately 40 kg of flex materials.

Additional Advocate General (AAG) Prathima Honnapura notified that objections to the proposed by-laws are being sought with 19 August 2024 as the deadline for submissions. She indicated that the by-laws are anticipated to have a regulatory and preventive impact on illegal flexes and advertisements and will be officially notified within 15 days after reviewing the objections.

The bench stated, “It is expected that the bylaws will inter alia include the penal stipulation which may work as deterrent and operate penal against the perpetrators and wrong doers. It is further expected that in the bylaws provisions are incorporated to the authorities of the corporation on the duty to ensure continuous monitoring of the activity of unauthorised putting up of flexes and extra prevention against the mishaps which may occur during the seasons like monsoon because of flexes even if they are authorisedly put up. Flexes may not be permitted to be put up near the pedestrian footpath or near the places which are prone to human movement and areas which are thickly populated."