Bench Criticizes Inaction; Summons Municipal and Police Authorities for Strict Compliance
In a stern warning to political parties and government authorities, the Bombay High Court has issued a show cause notice for contempt of court proceedings against several political parties for defying its 2017 judgment regarding illegal hoardings. The Court observed that despite undertakings from parties such as the Indian National Congress, Shiv Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party to curb illegal hoardings, the problem has only worsened.
A Bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, while hearing the matter on December 19, expressed dismay over the rising number of illegal hoardings across the State, including near the High Court itself. “Just see where we are heading to today. We are in a situation where these hoardings are causing damage to the road… defacing the High Court, defacing the city civil court, obstructing pedestrians,” the Bench remarked.
The Court pulled up the authorities for their inaction and failure to enforce the 2017 judgment, which had directed strict measures to prevent the proliferation of illegal hoardings. “You have allowed this to put up where? High Court. What action have you taken?” the judges demanded.
Environmental and Public Concerns
Highlighting the broader impact of illegal hoardings, the Bench raised concerns about their environmental repercussions, particularly due to the use of non-biodegradable materials, and their obstruction to public movement. “It is very, very sad,” the judges observed, urging the Advocate General (AG) to impress upon municipal authorities the gravity of the situation.
The Court also noted that the issue was not confined to Mumbai but was affecting the entire State, defacing public spaces and violating defacement laws.
Orders for Accountability
The Court has directed the State government to convene a meeting with municipal officials to ensure strict compliance with defacement laws and instructed municipal authorities to hold officers accountable for any violations. It also ordered the Director General of Police to issue a circular to district police, mandating full cooperation with municipal authorities in removing unauthorized hoardings.
Additionally, the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department has been instructed to submit an affidavit detailing efforts by the State government to enforce the judgment. Municipal authorities were asked to file affidavits outlining concrete steps to prevent future violations.
Warning to Political Parties
Reiterating its earlier warnings, the Bench cautioned political parties to adhere to their undertakings or face contempt proceedings. “We have already noticed undertakings given by political parties. It appears that these political parties have not come true with their undertakings,” the Court stated in its order.
Next Steps
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for January 27, 2025, emphasizing that non-compliance would force it to adopt “very, very strict” measures.
