Additional Chief Secretary of Urban Development Department, T M Vijay Bhaskar has cracked the whip against the disfigurement of the public and private building and other open spaces.

In a circular to the Palike and other government agencies, Vijay Bhaskar has issued a stern warning to the Palike officials and those indulging in defacing public properties by writing slogans and pasting posters. The additional chief secretary said that the authorities concerned should implement the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act 1981, in letter and spirit.

In his circular, Bhaskar said, “Under the provisions of the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act 1981, defacement of any property (public or private) in public view is a cognizable offence. Any advertisement without the written permission of the local authority having jurisdiction over such area is illegal.”

Bhaskar warned that those indulging in defacement of properties and open spaces will face appropriate legal action.

He called upon the Residents' Welfare Associations, NGOs, social groups, individuals to help in removing the existing defacement.