HC directs Nagpur civic body to nail repeat violators of OOH norms

To root out unauthorised hoardings in the city of Nagpur, the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court has directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation to impose heavy costs on repeat offenders including the politicians, parties, social workers and advertisement agencies.

The civic body has been asked to take photographs of receipts of fine imposed along with illegal structures raised by erring persons so that action could be taken against those violating the court's orders. The judges observed mere registration of FIR would not be enough to curb the menace and it was necessary to book leaders, parties, and agencies printing them. They stated all such parties and their supporters, who continue to defy its orders, would be added as respondents and issued notices.

As reported in the Times of India, the directives came while hearing NGO Parivartan's contempt plea (No. 256/2010) pointing out that in spite of court's orders, gross violation of 'Outdoor Advertising Policy 2001' was happening and even distance between two hoardings was not being maintained.

During last hearing, the Nagpur Municipal Commissioner had reportedly informed the court that they had found 1,944 unauthorised hoardings, banners and posters in the city from January 1, 2016 to July 31 this year. Of them 1,937 were removed, seven were on high tension posts and the agency concerned was asked to remove it. Offences were registered against 817 persons under Section 3 and a fine of Rs 2.13 lakh was recovered from them. The affidavit mentioned that 86 FIRs were lodged so far and additional 76 complaints were lodged with various police stations.

In the contempt plea, it was stated that the civic body had registered only 86 FIRs even as 1,944 illegal structures were found.