Is there any road that is free from hoardings and banners in the city? The Karnataka High Court posed this question to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Monday.
“Not even one road is clear. There is debris on footpaths added to these banners and hoardings. Some of these posters are very ugly…” a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.H. Waghela and Justice B.V. Nagarathna made an oral observation during the hearing of public interest litigation petitions on the menace of hoardings and banners.
The direction issued [for removal of illegal banners, hoardings and posters] by you seems to be ineffective, the Bench said when BBMP counsel submitted that action was initiated in many cases as per the advertisement bylaws and the engineers were taking action as per the law.
Observing that road accidents do occur due to distraction of drivers’ attention due to certain colourful banners and hoardings, the Bench questioned who would be responsible for such mishaps.
Referring to banners and hoardings put up during birthdays of political leaders, the Bench observed: “They put birthday posters of political leaders. They continue to linger until they are removed when the birthday poster regarding another political leader is put up…”
The Bench adjourned further hearing with counsel for the BBMP seeking some time to file additional affidavit.
