Karnataka HC calls for new ad bylaws to be enforced expeditiously

Approval being delayed by the issue of GST on ad tax

The High Court of Karnataka has asked for expeditious enforcement of the new ad bylaws ‘Outdoor Signage and Public Messaging bylaws 2018’. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had submitted the draft policy for state government approval some two months ago.

It is learnt that the state government is approval is delayed owing to lack of clarity on levy on advertisement tax. Now, things may be further stalled with the Code of Conduct coming into effect.

The Hindu reported that on a request by the Auditor-General, the division bench adjourned till March 15 the hearing on PIL petitions, through which the court is monitoring the actions of the BBMP and other authorities to check the menace of illegal hoardings, banners, poster, buntings.

The outdoor industry demands that the new outdoor bylaw should not replace the existing advertisement byelaw of 2006 by BBMP as the latter is very comprehensive and worth to be carried further. However, as things stand the new advertisement bylaws is likely to be enforced soon.