On Thursday, the Bombay High Court issued a decisive directive aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of illegal hoardings that political parties are anticipated to erect in the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections. This ruling comes in light of several petitions highlighting the failure of civic authorities to comply with a **2017 court order** that explicitly prohibited illegal hoardings and banners from being displayed on public roads. The court's proactive move reflects an escalating concern over the potential proliferation of unauthorized displays as the election date approaches, which is likely set for November.
The High Court mandated that municipal corporations, councils, and gram panchayats across Maharashtra engage in special operations designed to systematically dismantle these illegal hoardings. In a bid to ensure effective coordination of these enforcement efforts, the court instructed district collectors to convene meetings by the weekend to strategize and plan these comprehensive drives, which are expected to be executed within the following week.Â
The bench, comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, emphasized the pressing necessity of maintaining public safety in their ruling. They pointed out that political parties had previously made commitments to refrain from erecting unauthorized hoardings, underscoring the importance of upholding these promises in the interest of the public good. Advocate Uday Warunjikar, representing the NGO **Suswarajya Foundation**, expressed grave concerns about the anticipated rise in illegal hoardings as the elections draw closer, arguing that these displays can significantly obstruct public spaces and pose serious safety risks for pedestrians and motorists alike.
In light of these serious concerns, the court reiterated that any violations of the hoarding ban would be met with severe consequences. Civic authorities have been ordered to take stringent action against offenders, with police assistance deemed essential during the enforcement drives to ensure compliance and deter further violations. To foster accountability and transparency, district collectors and other relevant officials are required to actively partake in these operations and submit detailed affidavits outlining their actions and the results of the drives by **November 12**.
This ruling reflects a proactive and vigilant approach by the Bombay High Court to maintain order and safety in public spaces during the critical electoral process, aiming to curb the illegal practices that have historically plagued political campaigns in Maharashtra. The court's oversight serves as a vital reminder to political parties of their responsibilities under the law and the legal frameworks that govern electoral conduct. It also highlights the judiciary's role in safeguarding the public interest and ensuring that the electoral environment remains free from unlawful disruptions, thereby reinforcing the democratic process in the state. As the assembly elections draw nearer, this judicial intervention underscores the need for political parties to adhere to established norms and practices, fostering a more transparent and fair electoral landscape.
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