The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the city administration over the continued menace of illegal hoardings, observing that little has changed despite repeated court orders over the last 16 years.
A division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode on Monday pulled up the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Commissioner and other officials for failing to implement earlier directions. The court asked what action had been taken against erring officials and directed the Municipal Commissioner to file a detailed affidavit by April 30 explaining the steps taken so far.
The issue stems from directions issued while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation in 2010, which mandated regular action against illegal hoardings, banners and unauthorised advertisements across the city. However, the bench noted that the orders have not been strictly followed.
During the hearing, the court was informed that a large number of illegal posters, banners and cut-outs were put up across Nagpur during the Winter Session of the State Legislature to welcome visiting political leaders.
Taking serious note of the issue, the court had on December 10, 2023 directed the civic body to issue show-cause notices asking why a penalty of Rs 5 lakh should not be imposed. Accordingly, the NMC issued notices to 116 individuals linked to 1,958 illegal hoardings and banners. Despite this, the problem continues in several parts of the city.
Expressing displeasure, the bench observed that the persistence of illegal hoardings reflects the apathy of civic officials and undermines the authority of judicial orders.
The contempt petition has been filed by social activist Dinesh Naidu alleging non-compliance with earlier court directions. Advocate Tushar Mandlekar appeared for the petitioner, while Advocate Sudhir Puranik represented the NMC. The matter will now be heard after the civic body submits its affidavit.
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