HC asks EC, BMC to list steps taken to curb political hoardings

HC asks EC, BMC to list steps taken to curb political hoardings

Context

EC seeks more time to comply with February order

What has happened?

• The Bombay High Court has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inform it about the steps taken to remove all unauthorised hoardings, posters from across the city
• It also asked the Election Commission to inform about the steps taken to ensure that political parties do not indulge in defacement of public properties

Filing of reply

Bench has directed the authorities to file their respective replies by January 9 next year

Backdrop

• Order to BMC: In February this year, the court had passed a detailed judgement directing the BMC to remove all hoardings, banners and advertisements put up illegally by political parties or their members, and to initiate action against them
• Order to EC: In a related order passed at the time, the court had directed the Election Commission to impose conditions on political parties at the time of their registration mandating that the parties will not indulge in defacement of properties and also follow all provisions of the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and the laws governing sky signs and advertisements

Submissions by BMC & EC

While the BMC submitted today that it has taken several steps to rid public spaces in the city of unauthorised posters, and hoardings, the EC sought some more time to comply with the high court’s order