Activists raise red flag as BMC policy takes no action against illegal political hoardings
Ban won’t help, politicians need chance to interact, says civic body
MUMBAI: Contrary to the expectations of activists and citizens, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) new policy on hoardings and banners has no stringent rules to prevent political hoardings from defacing the city.
The civic administration recently finalised the policy, which is now awaiting civic chief Ajoy Mehta’s nod. It does not mention any punishment for illegal hoardings.
Under the existing Defacement of Public Property Act, putting up illegal posters and banners is a punishable offence for which an FIR needs to be lodged, while the civic body can charge a fine of up to ₹5,000.
While preparing the policy earlier this year, BMC was mulling banning illegal political banners displaying birthday wishes and congratulatory messages, in the backdrop of the HC directives. Like in case of illegal constructions, where elected representatives to civic bodies stand to lose their post if found guilty, activists were expecting stricter rules on illegal political hoardings too. “When politicians pay to advertise on billboards, it is their right to freedom of speech. But the civic body must take strong action against illegal banners and posters, and bring in a common law. Going soft on them suggests that political class is above the law,” said a citizen activist and former chief information commissioner Shailesh Gandhi.
Nidhi Choudhari, deputy municipal commissioner and in-charge of the policy, said, “Banning political hoardings can’t be the solution, as they should be given a chance to interact with citizens. Political hoardings can be put up legally, by paying the advertiser to use his licensed billboard.”
The number of illegal posters and banners of political parties rises drastically during the festive season and elections. In 2018, BMC removed 3,397 illegal political posters and banners, including 882 political flags. During BMC elections, BMC rid the streets of 815 political banners.
Prosecutions launched