Karnataka High Court asks BBMP for status report on unauthorised LED signboards distracting drivers

The Karnataka High Court has asked municipal body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to file a status report detailing how it is curbing unauthorised advertisement hoardings in Bengaluru [Deeksha N Amruthesh v. Government of Karnataka].

A Bench of Justices Anu Sivaraman and KS Bharath Kumar was hearing a public interest litigation seeking directions to curb flashy signboards that could distract drivers and result into accidents.

Justice Sivaraman asked the BBMP how advertisements could be placed safely without becoming a traffic hazard.

"Counsel, tell us where this can be safely done. Probably can be done in some other areas safely without distracting the traffic."

Counsel appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Amruthesh NP, reminded the Court that it had directed the BBMP to place the status report on record in an order dated November 13, 2025, almost a year ago. The Court was apprised that in the duration of a year, new advertisements and erections had come up.

The status report related to the enforcement of Bye-Law 15 of the BBMP (Advertisement) Bye-Laws, 2024, which empowers the BBMP to remove or demolish advertisements that are erected without permission.

Pointing out to the interim relief sought in the plea, the advocate drew attention to commercial advertisements being put up inside St Joseph's School, on Vittal Mallya Road. The counsel added that advertisers benefitted from paying lower taxes on self-advertisement hoardings.

Advocates appearing for the BBMP and the pollution control board said that action was being taken against corporations that were using self-advertising licenses incorrectly and sought time to place on record the names of the defaulters.

"If it is for self-advertisement, the whole thing has been changed, we are taking action and police complaints are also being filed. I'll file the status report."

Advocate Mahesh Chowdhary appearing for the Pollution Control Board further asked if height restrictions could also be considered to prevent advertisements from distracting drivers turning their vehicles.

The matter has been scheduled to be heard next on November 25.