**Mumbai: Bombay High Court Proposes Stricter Action Against Illegal Hoardings**
The Bombay High Court on Friday indicated that it may direct departmental enquiries against civic officials who fail to act on complaints regarding illegal hoardings within a stipulated timeframe. The court announced that this directive would be included in an order to be issued within the next two weeks.
### Petitions Highlight Hoarding Menace
A bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Sandesh Patil was hearing a batch of petitions that focus on the widespread problem of unauthorized banners across Maharashtra. Advocate General Birendra Saraf presented a series of proposals prepared by the state government aimed at curbing this issue.
### Political Parties to File Undertakings
One key suggestion mandates that all political parties submit fresh undertakings to the court within four weeks, assuring that they will not put up banners without prior permission. The parties, identified as the “biggest violators,” would also be required to file affidavits within a month detailing compliance measures and naming a responsible representative.
### Ward-Level Nodal Officers Proposed for Mumbai
For Mumbai, the Senior Inspector of Licence in each ward would be appointed as a **Ward Level Nodal Officer**. This officer would be responsible for removing illegal hoardings and ensuring adherence to court directions. Similar officers would be designated in other municipal corporations, councils, and zilla parishads across the state.
### Citizen Monitoring Mechanism
To facilitate public participation, citizens will have access to toll-free complaint numbers where they can report illegal banners, including options to upload photographs and location details. Importantly, even anonymous complaints will be acted upon.
Nodal officers will be expected to conduct daily rounds, initiate legal action against violators, and maintain strict oversight.
### Stricter Checks Suggested
The proposals recommend additional measures to prevent unauthorized hoardings:
– Authorized banners will carry QR codes containing organizer details and validity periods.
– Officials removing illegal hoardings must photograph the removal as proof and maintain records for police reference.
### Supervision and Reporting
A Secretary-level officer in the state government will supervise overall compliance. Municipal bodies and district collectors will be required to submit bi-monthly reports, which will be reviewed during quarterly meetings with the supervising officer.
Moreover, citizen committees will be established at the ward level to monitor hoardings and escalate any lapses.
### Legal Framework and Enforcement
The state compilation emphasized that violations fall under the **Defacement Act**, mandating that police register cases as soon as municipal officers report offences.
### Bench on Accountability
The court bench noted, “If nodal officers don’t perform their duty, then what is the mechanism? Some departmental enquiry? If negligence is found, then a departmental enquiry within 4-8 weeks, we will add.”
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on **October 15**.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-considers-departmental-action-against-civic-officials-failing-to-remove-illegal-hoardings