No display boards, unauthorized advertisements of political leaders to be put up: Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court recently directed the State government to ensure that no display boards or unauthorized advertisements/hoardings of political functionaries and leaders are displayed in public [HM Venkatesh v. State of Karnataka].."The respondent State is directed to ensure that in future also, no display boards, unauthorized advertisements, hoardings at public places as well as in respect of various Government projects are displayed in future. The Government is directed to take prompt action in the matter keeping in view the Circular and the orders passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in W.P.(Civil) Nos.13/2003, 197/2004 and 302/2012 (Common Cause vs. Union of India)", directed the Bench of former Acting Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum. .In the case of Common Cause, the Supreme Court had restricted the publication of photographs and advertisements featuring government functionaries and political leaders..The High Court's direction came as part of a plea moved by one HM Venkatesh. While hearing this petition, the Bench was informed that the State had already resorted to various steps to comply with the above directions. .In a meeting held under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, Karnataka government, the Urban Development Department and all statutory bodies in the State including Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) were issued instructions to remove all such unauthorized hoardings, the Court was told. .The Court was also apprised of a circular issued in August this year to all local bodies to remove photos of representatives of people from public places. Taking note of these measures by the State government, the Court, while disposing of the plea, said,"In the light of the compliance report of the State Government and the action which has already been initiated, no further orders are required to be passed in the present PIL.".[Read order here]

No display boards, unauthorized advertisements of political leaders to be put up: Karnataka High Court

Rintu Mariam Biju

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