BBMP can't relax till city is free of flexes, says HC

The BBMP can't relax while there are flexes. Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari made this oral observation while hearing a petition, seeking directions for the removal of flexes and hoardings across the city.

The counsel for the Palike submitted to the high court that it has received 1,192 responses along with documents with regard to the public notice and that the BBMP would examine the claims of having obtained permission for putting up advertisement hoardings.

Responding to a question on how many cases pertaining to flexes and hoardings were pending in the courts, the counsel submitted that 112 petitions were pending before the high court, of which an interim order of stay has been granted in 44 cases. The counsel said 90 cases were pending in the civil court and an interim order has been granted in 26.

The court was also informed that some hoardings continue to exist in areas beyond the BBMP limits, which come under different gram panchayats. The court said such gram panchayats would also be made a party in the petition.

Status of the offenders

While seeking to know the status of the bail applications and proceedings with regard to offences under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981, the advocate general said 47 people have pleaded guilty till date.

When the court sought to know the antecedents of those arrested, the advocate general replied that such people were not serial offenders or criminals and hence, no records were maintained. He added that records of antecedents are diligently maintained for criminals and serial offenders.

On the court's suggestions, the advocate general promised to take steps to maintain a database of people booked for installation for illegal hoardings.

The court also stated that by August-end the matter has to be concluded.

It orally observed that at present, the mission of making the city free of flexes and hoardings was being accomplished by and large. "If things are in control, then this is only the beginning. The ultimate aim is to restore the city back to its original glory," the court said.

The court stated that the drive for removing flexes and hoardings should be extended to the whole state, and adjourned the case to August 31.