Bombay High Court Issues Contempt Notices To Over 25 Political Parties In PIL On Illegal Hoardings In Public Places

The Bombay High Court on Thursday (December 19) issued contempt notices to over 25 political parties in relation to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning illegal hoardings and banners erected by political parties in public places. 

During the hearing a division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Amit Borkar today said, "Let the parties show cause why contempt action should not be initiated against them."

Despite several orders issued by the Court previously, banners and hoardings featuring politicians and political parties continue to be put up across the State. 

Yesterday, the Court had voiced its frustrations over the continued violation of its earlier directions and expressed that the political parties do not have any respect for its orders.

It is pertinent to note that the political parties had submitted undertakings that they would not encourage any display of illegal hoardings, banners or posters. The undertaking stated that the political parties issued circulars to their members and followers to not indulge in erecting hoardings. The Court had noted this while reviving the PIL and had cautioned the political parties against any contravention of its orders. 

Yesterday, the Court had also expressed its displeasure at the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (BMC) and other municipal corporations for failing to take any concrete steps to check illegal hoardings and banners. It raised concerns that despite repeated orders, the authorities are disregarding its directives.

Today, the Court stated that if the municipal authorities are not following its directives, it may be compelled to issue contempt notices to the concerned officers. 

The court orally remarked, “We again request you to impress upon the authorities…don't face the Court into a situation where we will be constrained to take strict action..” “don't push us into situations where the officers are tried for contempt…”

The Court also orally said that such illegal hoardings are even defacing the High Court building and City Civil buildings.

The Court again issued directions to the Municipal Councils, Municipal Corporations, District Heads & Collectors and Police authorities, reiterating its earlier orders for being vigilant and taking strict actions against persons responsible for erecting illegal hoardings. 

The Court kept the matter for further hearing on January 27, 2025. 

Case title: Suswarajya Foundation, Satara And Anr vs. The Collector, Satara And Anr (PIL/155/2011) & Connected Matters