The Times of India 14.03.2013
Issue notices to all politicians featured on banners, says HC
MUMBAI: The BMC's advocate, Sharmila Modle
told the Bombay high court that the BMC has taken "removal action" in
accordance with the court's orders and added that there is a stay on
several of the hoardings across the city. "How can there be stay on
illegal hoardings? Show us one copy of the order of a stay," said
Justice A M Khanwilkar.
Modle said she would place a compilation of the orders before the court and urged for a short adjournment. "This is the attitude. That is why you find illegal hoardings. Look at this city (Mumbai). We see no other banner except of political parties. Have you taken action against one leader?'' asked Justice Khanwilkar.
The judges said there is no need for notices to individual banners. "Issue notices to all those persons whose photographs are displayed," said Justice Khanwilkar.
Satara Municipal Council's advocate Praful Shah informed the court that Satara has completely changed after the removal of illegal hoardings. "There is no new illegal hoarding."
Justice Khanwilkar asked why the same could not be adopted by other huge corporations such as the BMC, which have the infrastructure and manpower.
Thane Municipal Corporation's counsel Ram Apte said the civic body has framed a policy for hoardings. "Forget policy. First remove them," said Justice Khanwilkar. The judges reminded Apte that being a Thane resident, he should know the situation. Apte conceded, "I cannot say there is 100% compliance."
The judges said the skyline is marred by hoardings. "So far as environment is concerned, no one is bothered,'' said Justice Khanwilkar. "We'll give 24 hours to all corporations and councils to act. We'll take action against commissioners and CEOs,'' said Justice Khanwilkar. The judges deferred the next hearing to March 15, noting in their order they "hope the assurance given to this court is carried out in letter and spirit by corporations and councils before the next date". They ordered filing of compliance report. "Twenty-four hours is good enough if you want to do it. You can raze anything in 24 hours,'' reminded Justice Khanwilkar.
Times View
Netas, don't encroach on citizens' space
The court's reminder to government agencies, about a job they should have been doing anyway, reflects poorly on their competence. Citizens have raised these issues ad nauseam, prompting action in fits and starts, but there has been no permanent solution to the problem. Hopefully, the court glare will result in some meaningful action. Civic agencies should use this opportunity, which has come in the form of the judicial backing, to stamp out all illegal political hoardings and offices from Mumbai and its neighbourhood. Politicians cannot just keep encroaching on public space.
Modle said she would place a compilation of the orders before the court and urged for a short adjournment. "This is the attitude. That is why you find illegal hoardings. Look at this city (Mumbai). We see no other banner except of political parties. Have you taken action against one leader?'' asked Justice Khanwilkar.
The judges said there is no need for notices to individual banners. "Issue notices to all those persons whose photographs are displayed," said Justice Khanwilkar.
Satara Municipal Council's advocate Praful Shah informed the court that Satara has completely changed after the removal of illegal hoardings. "There is no new illegal hoarding."
Justice Khanwilkar asked why the same could not be adopted by other huge corporations such as the BMC, which have the infrastructure and manpower.
Thane Municipal Corporation's counsel Ram Apte said the civic body has framed a policy for hoardings. "Forget policy. First remove them," said Justice Khanwilkar. The judges reminded Apte that being a Thane resident, he should know the situation. Apte conceded, "I cannot say there is 100% compliance."
The judges said the skyline is marred by hoardings. "So far as environment is concerned, no one is bothered,'' said Justice Khanwilkar. "We'll give 24 hours to all corporations and councils to act. We'll take action against commissioners and CEOs,'' said Justice Khanwilkar. The judges deferred the next hearing to March 15, noting in their order they "hope the assurance given to this court is carried out in letter and spirit by corporations and councils before the next date". They ordered filing of compliance report. "Twenty-four hours is good enough if you want to do it. You can raze anything in 24 hours,'' reminded Justice Khanwilkar.
Times View
Netas, don't encroach on citizens' space
The court's reminder to government agencies, about a job they should have been doing anyway, reflects poorly on their competence. Citizens have raised these issues ad nauseam, prompting action in fits and starts, but there has been no permanent solution to the problem. Hopefully, the court glare will result in some meaningful action. Civic agencies should use this opportunity, which has come in the form of the judicial backing, to stamp out all illegal political hoardings and offices from Mumbai and its neighbourhood. Politicians cannot just keep encroaching on public space.
