High court wants BBMP to verify advertisers' claim

The court is hearing pleas for removal of banners and hoardings. 

Paving the way for the complete removal of flex banners and boards across Bengaluru, the High Court of Karnataka on Wednesday directed the BBMP to verify the claims of advertising agencies that they have been using 100% cotton media.

The court ordered the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to submit a detailed report by December 17. Hearing various Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking removal of banners, buntings and hoardings in the city, a division bench of Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice S Sujatha ordered the BBMP to file a report verifying the claim of advertising agencies.

Lawyers representing more than 10 advertising agencies had told the court that the companies have been using 100% cotton as advertising material.

Reacting over the submission, the bench asked the BBMP for a reply, besides submitting a detailed report on the draft policy on advertisements. The BBMP lawyer, V Srinidhi, told the court: “The public have submitted a few interesting suggestions, and the BBMP is in the process of adopting those suggestions.”

Presenting before the bench, Additional Advocate General, A S Ponnanna, said that the government is not allowing flex even in the advertisements displayed on buses and auto-rickshaws.

“As many as 480 cases have been registered against illegal flexes. Out of which, 232 cases have been resolved and the remaining 258 cases are pending for enquiry,” he stated.

Expressing displeasure the Chief Justice questioned: “Why are so many cases still pending? Why is the police dragging their feet to initiate action against offenders? Shall we summon the
city police commissioner?” Subsequently, the bench adjourned the matter to December 17.