Mumbai: Marathi Signboards Made Mandatory for Shops Inside Mumbai Malls

Shops operating inside malls and shopping centres in Mumbai will also be required to display their names prominently in Marathi, written in the Devanagari script. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has indicated that establishments failing to comply with the rule will face action.

The directive follows the Maharashtra government’s requirement that commercial establishments display Marathi signboards. The Supreme Court’s decision to lift the stay on the implementation of the rule paved the way for civic authorities to begin enforcement in Mumbai. 

Under the rules, Marathi must be displayed prominently on the signboard, with the Marathi lettering required to be larger and bolder than text in other languages. The requirement applies not only to standalone shops but also to businesses operating inside malls, shopping centres, hotels and other commercial establishments.

The BMC has already taken action against hundreds of establishments for failing to comply. According to recent civic data, cases have been filed against 1,423 establishments since November 2023, while more than ₹1 crore in penalties has been recovered.

The issue has also triggered criticism over alleged differences in enforcement between smaller shops and large commercial establishments. Civic officials have said that a fresh inspection drive will cover establishments across Mumbai, with action to follow against those that continue to violate the rules.

BMC officials have been directed to ensure compliance and submit reports on establishments that have not yet installed the required Marathi signboards. The latest move signals that shops located within malls and shopping centres will not be exempt from the Marathi signboard requirement.

The civic body’s intensified enforcement is expected to put pressure on businesses that have so far displayed their names primarily in English or used Marathi lettering that is smaller or less prominent than required.

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