The Times of India 14.03.2013
Issue notices to all politicians featured on banners, says HC
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.