Karnataka High Court Issues Contempt Notices To BBMP, Police Commissioners Over Illegal Flexes/ Hoardings In Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court on Friday took suo-motu cognizance of a news report highlighting the problem of illegal flexes and hoardings being put up in the city of Bengaluru.

A division bench of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind took cognizance of the news item appearing in the Times of India, titled 'Flex menace continues; elderly man battles for life'. Further, the court issued notice to the Commissioner of Police and Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike calling upon them to reply by July 26, why contempt of court action be not initiated against them for violating court orders.

The court said, “The news item suggests that Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had to remove over 6.8 lakh illegal advertisements. The contents of the news item only depict a very sorry state of affairs particularly in light of various orders passed in the PIL...The pending orders and situation suggested in the news item is a conduct contemptuous on behalf of Commissioner of Police and BBMP commissioner.”

Court took note of an earlier order passed on August 2, 2023 in which the court had directed the Corporation to submit its proposed action plan against those who have erected unauthorised hoarding, banners and other advertisement material and proposed action against the erring officers.

It had also clarified that after three weeks if it is reported that the hoardings/banners or advertising material is erected unauthorisedly, a cost of Rs 1 lakh will be imposed on each of such hoardings/ banner and 50% cost will be borne by the Corporation and remaining 50% by the State government.

The bench said “You (BBMP) must develop a continuous mechanism to prevent illegal hoardings.”

In response the BBMP counsel submitted that it has filed several FIRs and imposed fines. Unconvinced, the Court said “We want you to change your gear. Your vehicle must be driven in 5th gear to comply with court orders.”

The matter will be next heard on July 26.