Large formats comeback on Bengaluru streets imminent

The Karnataka State Budget, to be presented on February 16 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, will be watched and followed with greater intent by the OOH media owners in the city of Bengaluru as there is a likelihood of the announcement of reintroduction of large format OOH media like hoardings and billboards in the city. Media reports indicate that the Urban Development Department (UDD) of Karnataka Government has vetted the draft ad policy that over-rules the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) bylaw passed by a resolution in August 2018 by which large format advertising in areas coming under the urban local body’s jurisdiction was banned.

It may recalled that in a hearing on March 1, 2023, the High Court of Karnataka ruled clause 7.1.1 of the 2018 Bylaws as ‘arbitrary and unconstitutional’ and deemed it as unreasonable restrictions on the right to freedom of commercial speech, freedom to carry on business and the fundamental right of an individual to listen, read and receive commercial speech which are guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.