Reprimanding political parties for ignoring court orders, the Bombay High Court on Thursday issued contempt notices to more than 25 parties for displaying illegal hoardings and banners in public places.
The contempt action was initiated during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the proliferation of unauthorized posters, especially following the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections.
A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar expressed its displeasure after photographs were presented to the court showing the illegal hoarding outside the Supreme Court.
“What could be worse than this? Despite our decision directing strict action against illegal hoarding, look where we are headed. This is a very sad situation,” the bench noted.
The court’s anger was fueled by seeing the damage caused to the roads and the destruction of the High Court and the buildings attached to the City Civil Court due to these illegal images.
The bench took a close look at the situation, and pointed out that the person responsible for the collection of the property disclosed his name in it but no action was taken.
Citing the lack of effective enforcement, the court raised concerns with Mumbai civic authorities, asking why the hoardings were allowed to be erected in the first place.
“We do not deny that you are making efforts, but your efforts are not enough,” the bench told the authorities.
It also highlighted the negative environmental impact of these illegal billboards, which often contain plastic waste that endangers local wildlife, especially cattle, which eat discarded plastic.
The bench reminded the authorities that political parties have filed agreements in court, guaranteeing that they will refrain from putting up posters and collecting illegal goods.
“The court decided that in its previous rules it committed itself to the commitment of political parties. However, it seems that these parties did not do the same,” the bench noted.
In a final warning to both civil and state authorities, the bench warned against pushing the court to take strict action. “Don’t push the court into a corner where we have to take drastic measures. We warn you,” concluded the judges.
Source link