Over 9000 Unlawful Banners Removed Across Mumbai in 21 Days

In a citywide drive spanning from September 1 to September 21, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed 9,807 unlawful banners and posters.

The removed banners were categorised into three main types: religion, politics, and businesses. Out of these, 4,919 were religious, 3,566 were political, and 608 were business-related. 

The most affected areas were Andheri East (K East Ward) with 909 defaced posters, Kurla (L Ward) with 807, and Bandra East (H East Ward) with 790. In contrast, Dadar and Mahim (G North Ward) had the fewest number of banners at 33.

However, the drive was not without its challenges. BMC staff from the licence and encroachment clearance department received attacks from political employees.

On September 9, an incident occurred where Prakash Giri, a Shiv Sena shakha pramukh from shakha 21, assaulted workmen and city workers for removing their party flags.

This happened despite orders from the chief minister to the municipal commissioner to take action against illegal banners and posters. Following the incident, Giri was detained under sections 353 and 332 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Currently, he is out of jail on anticipatory bail.

According to a 2010 court case involving unauthorised banners between Satara and the Maharashtra government, the court issued an interim order directing the police department to maintain vigilance at night.

The civic body has claimed that there is a lack of police action. Because of this, political activists continue to put up these banners. When BMC representatives attempt to remove them, they face attacks.

According to reports, authorities have yet to file a police complaint against people who have put up the banner. Now, the workers have made it clear that they will not remove any more banners unless they receive protection.

Those who put up illegal hoarding can be penalised under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act. They may receive a fine of between INR 1,000 and INR 5,000 under this. Additionally, a fine of INR 2,000, a three-month prison sentence, or both may be imposed for violating the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995.