Broke BBMP to impose fines for sticking up posters on City walls

Film makers, political parties will have to pay as Palike aims to enforce ban

The BBMP now aims to make money by imposing heavy fines on film producers and political parties for violating rules and sticking posters on most City walls. The film fraternity is, however, unhappy about the move. 

Around five years ago, the BBMP issued an order that no posters shall be stuck up on any public walls and spaces, saying they make the City ugly. It also ordered that all posters and hoarding be removed immediately. On its part, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd  (BMRCL) also ordered that Metro barricades be not used for film and political advertising. The rule worked only for a couple of years. As of now, posters seem to be back and in large numbers across the City. 

Not only has the BBMP turned a blind eye to obscene film posters, it is also lenient with political hoardings, banners and posters. Citizens say the BBMP has done nothing about the many posters stuck up near its head office at NR Square. 

BBMP Commissioner N Lakshminarayan conceded that there had been “some leniency” in implementing the order. “Whenever it comes to our notice, we remove the posters and hoardings. But looking at the increasing number, we are thinking of heavily penalising film producers and companies,” he told Deccan Herald. “Political parties will be dealt with similarly.

Public spaces are not meant for advertising. This will help us earn some revenue and solve some of our financial problems.” 

Ganga M, a citizen, said that many posters were obscene and distracting. “Motorists often slow down, looking at the posters again and again. More importantly, posters make the City look ugly.” 

Thomas D’Souza, Secretary of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, admitted that the posters were back despite a ban, but expressed helplessness in discouraging them. 

‘Cheap way of advertising’

“The BBMP should not penalise us because sticking up posters is one of the cheapest ways of advertising for films of smaller budgets. I agree the rules are being violated but penalty can be avoided. The rates charged by BBMP for the hoardings are very high. Hence, many are forced to resort to such cheap advertising acts. We request the BBMP to allow Kannada films to be advertised on hoardings free of cost, while other films in languages can be charged,” said D’Souza.