Politicians to face action for erecting illegal banners welcoming PM

 Politicians and their supporters who put up illegal banners and buntings wishing Narendra Modi on his first visit to Bangalore as Prime Minister will face legal action. 

Upa Lokayukta Justice Subhash B Adi has directed the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to initiate proceedings against persons or organisations for illegally displaying banners and buntings. 

A man named Saidatta filed a complaint on Tuesday about the illegal hoardings across Bangalore, especially on HAL Airport road and even in ‘A’ Zone (meaning Central Business District), including near Maharani’s College. 

He claimed that barring 90 flex boards and 50 kg of buntings, for which a BJP secretary had obtained permission, all other posters and buntings were erected illegally. The Upa Lokayukta immediately sought an explanation from the BBMP. The complainant also stated that many MLAs, MLCs, corporators were among the violators. 

The BBMP’s Assistant Commissioner (Advertisement) appeared before the Upa lokayukta and confirmed that permission was given only for 90 flex boards and 50 kg of buntings and that the rest were put up illegally. 

The official also submitted the photographs of flex boards and banners put up illegally across the City. 

Permission is necessary under the advertisement bylaws framed by the BBMP under section 423 of the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, 1976. “Rule of law is the first principle of discipline, especially for political parties as they have to be role models for others. Illegal banners also attract penal consequences under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981,” Justice Adi said. 

“If such complaints are filed in accordance with law, police officers shall register without hesitation. The BBMP’s Assistant Commissioner has promised to take action against the individuals and organisations, irrespective of their position, treating them on a par with other citizens.” 

The Upa Lokayukta has directed the BBMP to submit an action taken report by September 30.