Reprimanding political parties for flouting court orders, the Bombay High Court on Thursday issued contempt notices to more than 25 political parties for rampant display of illegal advertising hoardings and banners in public places.
The contempt proceedings were triggered during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the proliferation of unauthorized posters, especially in the wake of the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections.
A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar expressed outrage after pictures of illegal advertising hoardings outside the high court were shown in court.
“What could be more horrific than this? Although our judgment is to take strict action against illegal hoarding, look where we are going. This is a very, very sad situation,” the judge said.
The dissatisfaction of the court was further aggravated by the damage caused to the roads by these illegal displays and the defacement of the High Court and adjoining City Civil Court buildings.
The judge viewed the situation harshly, noting that those responsible for the hoarding had put their names on it but no action had been taken against them.
In the absence of effective enforcement, the court raised concerns with the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, questioning why the hoardings were allowed to be erected in the first place.
“We do not deny that you are trying, but your efforts are not enough,” the judge told authorities.
It also highlights the negative environmental impact of such illegal posters, which often generate plastic waste and pose a threat to local wildlife, particularly dairy cows who ingest discarded plastic.
The judge reminded the authorities that political parties had previously submitted undertakings to the court that they would not put up illegal banners and hoardings.
“The court in its previous orders has recorded the promises made by the political parties. However, the same does not appear to have been fulfilled by these parties,” the bench noted.
In a final warning to citizens and state authorities, the judge warned against pushing the courts for tougher action. “Don’t push the court into a corner, we must take severe action. We warn you,” the judge concluded.