Submitting ad bylaw draft to govt, Palike tells HC

The BBMP informed the high court that it would submit the draft of the outdoor signage and public messaging bylaws 2018 to the government on Friday.

A division bench headed by Acting Chief L Narayana Swamy was hearing a PIL seeking directions to remove flexes and hoardings in the city.

The Palike said it has collected all the details, including responses to the clarifications sought by the state government, in the final draft.

The police department has also submitted an affidavit with details of cases registered under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement Act) 1981 between December 8, 2018, and February 5, 2019.

The counsel for the advertising companies contended that thousands of employees in the industry have lost their jobs due to this and the civic body has even prevented the lawful business, and sought orders so that livelihood of employees could be taken care of.

The court said it would be improper for it to interfere in the matter before the government finalises bylaws, and the orders could be passed only after the government finalises the bylaws.

When counsel for ad agencies highlighted the plight of the employees of the advertising companies, the court orally observed that in the legal system some minority would have to face consequences as the larger picture has to be looked into and in this case the interest of the city at large. The matter was adjourned to February 21.

The court also sought to know the action the BBMP has taken to curb the installation of banners and flags by political parties during a rally.