BBMP ordered to submit draft ad bylaws in 10 days

The High Court of Karnataka on Friday gave the BBMP 10 more days to finalise the draft of the outdoor signage and public messaging bylaws 2018.

During the hearing of a PIL seeking removal of flexes and hoardings, the Palike told the division bench of Acting Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy that it would submit the
draft to the government in 10 days. It could not do so earlier since the corporation was busy with the budget council meetings.

The BBMP also said it has sent clarifications sought by the government on the draft.

Lok Sabha polls

The Palike commissioner gave an affidavit, stating that the Election Commission of India has proposed an intensive multimedia campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

It said the ECI, in its letter on February 18 to the chief electoral officers of all states and Union Territories, has asked to immediately roll out publicity campaign on voter verification, enrolment, polling station, polling dates and helpline numbers. While the ECI is yet to specify the duration of the campaign, the BBMP will start the publicity according to the schedule or until the code of conduct is in place.

In the wake of the ECI letter, the BBMP has sought the court’s direction on giving permission to polling stations, banks, hospitals, schools and others to display posters as part of the campaign. It also asked permission to erect hoardings/banners in prominent places like road junctions and metro stations.

It also asked the court’s permission to use the advertisement space in government departments in Bengaluru rural and urban areas for the campaign.

The court adjourned the hearing to March 8.