The Bombay High Court has taken a firm stance against the persistent issue of illegal hoardings and banners across the state, demanding concrete data from civic authorities on the legal and financial actions taken.
Court's Directive to Civic Bodies
A bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Sandesh Patil has explicitly asked municipal corporations and district councils to submit detailed information. The court wants to know the number of First Information Reports (FIRs) that have been registered against those responsible for erecting unauthorized advertisements. Furthermore, the bench is seeking a clear account of the actions taken to recover fines levied for these violations.
Focus on Accountability and Action
The directive, issued on November 17, 2025, underscores the court's intent to move beyond mere warnings and ensure tangible enforcement. The judges emphasized their need to understand the effectiveness of the existing mechanisms in curbing this menace. The core question posed by the bench is what specific steps have been taken by the local bodies to actually recover the penalty amounts imposed on offenders.
Implications for Public Safety and Urban Governance
This judicial intervention highlights the serious safety hazards and visual pollution caused by illegal hoardings. By compelling civic bodies to disclose their enforcement records, the court is pushing for greater transparency and accountability in urban governance. The data is expected to reveal the gap between the number of violations identified and the subsequent legal and financial actions completed, potentially leading to stricter oversight and more robust policies to protect public spaces.
