Increase rates for political hoardings: Bombay high court

The Bombay high court has asked the BMC to consider increasing charges for granting permission to put up political hoardings in the city.

The division  bench of justices Mohit Shah and SJ Vazifdar was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in 2010 by Janhit Manch seeking action against political parties who put up hoardings on their birthdays. The judges’ suggestion came after the NGO’s founder Bhagwanji

Raiyani informed them that while common citizens are charged Rs1,000 to put up a hoarding, politicians are charged only Rs198.

Raiyani also argued that the BMC has not prosecuted a single politician or their workers for violating the permissions granted for hoardings. He added that politicians pass the onus on to their workers for putting up their posters.

Raiyani had filed three PILs which were disposed of. Raiyani has also filed a contempt of court petition against BMC which is pending.