Notice to govt, BBMP on rules to curb hoardings

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the state government and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on framing of rules under Section 10 of Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act,1981.

A division bench of Justice K N Phaneendra and Justice B Veerappa was hearing a PIL filed by Mayige Gowda, a resident of Saraswathipuram seeking directions to the government to implement the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981 in the city by framing rules and regulations.

The petitioner stated that in spite of the Act being in existence for the past 30 years, there are over 23,000 unauthorised hoardings, flex banners and huge advertisement boards that pose a danger to people who walk under them. He added that no action has been taken by the BBMP or the police to remove them.

He stated that in the absence of rules under the Act, it is not clear who is responsible to monitor the installation of unauthorised hoardings and flex banners in the city.

The petitioner also sought issue of directions to the BBMP to remove unauthorised hoardings and banners in the city.