The Supreme Court has given businesses and shopkeepers in Mumbai a two-month deadline to install new Marathi signboards. This decision comes in response to an appeal against the Maharashtra government's mandate last year requiring all shops, large and small, to display Marathi signboards.
Justice's Statement on Marathi Signboards
A bench of justices led by BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasised the importance of having Marathi signboards ahead of Diwali and Dusshera. They questioned the Federation of Retail Traders of Mumbai about their understanding of the benefits of having Marathi signboards. The federation represents about 5 lakh retailers in Mumbai.
Federation's Standpoint and Court's Response
The federation's attorney, Mohini Priya, clarified that shop owners are not against having Marathi signboards. However, they expressed concerns about the state government's new law that requires Marathi to be displayed prominently and in the same font size as other languages on the signboard. The justices responded by comparing the situation to Karnataka, which has a similar rule.
Retail Association's Response to the Court's Guidance
The federation agreed to comply with the court's order. Despite requesting a four-month term due to potential difficulties in procuring personnel and raw materials for the signboards, the bench granted only two months. The court will then consider the constitutional concerns mentioned in their petitions after two months.
Background
The legislation mandating Marathi signboards was added last year as Section 36-A to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (regulation of employment and conditions of labour) Act. The new provision also extends this requirement to small establishments with less than 10 employees.
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