The High Court on Monday asked all local bodies in the state, including Mumbai, how many cases have been registered and how much fine has been collected so far in connection with illegal hoardings that are disfiguring cities. It also ordered the submission of its details. The court, while passing this order, also commented that active authorities are needed for immediate action on this issue.
Latur Municipal Corporation has set the example of an illegal billboard-free city by taking strict measures to completely ban or curb illegal billboards. A bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Sandesh Patil also said that all local bodies should implement this experiment. At the same time, we want to know how many cases were registered by all local bodies in the case of illegal hoardings and what action was taken to recover the fine. Therefore, the court also ordered the submission of its details.
For the past several years, the court has been ordering strict action against illegal hoardings. Taking note of this, all the parties in the state have given an undertaking that their party workers will not put up illegal hoardings. The court also expressed concern that even after this, political placards are being displayed everywhere in the state. Also, the court raised the question, "Shouldn't each municipal corporation have a separate department to take action against illegal billboards? Why shouldn't fines be collected from political parties that disfigure cities by putting up such illegal billboards?"
Outrage over Thane Municipal Corporation's stance
Despite repeated orders to submit details of action taken against illegal hoardings and how many crimes were registered, Thane Municipal Corporation has not filed an affidavit. The court expressed its anger at the Municipal Corporation's stance. The court also noted that this shows how serious the Thane Municipal Corporation is about this problem. Similarly, the court also warned that if the Municipal Corporation does not submit the above details at the next hearing, the Thane Municipal Commissioner will be ordered to appear in court.
Latur pattern appreciated
The court appreciated the measures taken by the Latur Municipal Corporation against illegal hoardings. The Latur Municipal Corporation has prepared a good system to solve this problem. The court also said that other civic bodies should follow suit. The Latur Municipality has created a WhatsApp group of municipal officials and police officers as well as the general public to take timely action against illegal hoardings. The court also specifically noted that regular meetings have been held with the printing houses in the area to make QR codes mandatory on the hoardings. Therefore, it will be clear whether the hoardings are put up or not after obtaining the necessary permission.
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