HC Questions Inaction On Illegal Hoardings, Seeks Accountability From Civic Officials

Nagpur: Inaction against illegal hoardings despite repeated directives drew a sharp response from the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, which questioned the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on why violators have not been penalised and unauthorised structures continue to remain across the city.A division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode expressed displeasure over the civic body's failure to enforce its orders while hearing a contempt petition filed by Dinesh Naidu of NGO Parivartan.The court had earlier taken a stern view of hoardings erected during the winter session and warned of strict consequences, yet many remain in place with little visible action.In an affidavit, municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar stated that deputy commissioners had sought explanations from assistant commissioners across all zones for lapses in enforcement. The NMC informed the court that 131 show-cause notices were issued to individuals linked to illegal hoardings, while in 807 cases notices could not be served due to the absence of identifiable details or addresses.Only five recipients have responded so far, indicating a significant compliance gap. Although flying squads have been deployed in each zone, the bench found the response inadequate.The court also noted internal accountability measures, with deputy commissioners issuing show-cause notices to assistant commissioners for failure to ensure compliance with court orders and for alleged negligence.Advocate Tushar Mandlekar appeared for the petitioner, advocate Sudhir Puranik for the NMC, and advocate Deepak Thakare for the state government.The affidavit outlined additional steps, including deploying camera-equipped patrol vehicles to monitor and deter illegal hoardings, particularly those put up at night. The NMC also sought police intervention, urging registration of criminal cases to strengthen deterrence. It further submitted that the current penalty of ₹500 is inadequate and proposed enhancing the fine through municipal approval.Key TakeawaysHC questions lack of action against illegal hoardings in NagpurBench expresses displeasure over continued violations despite orders131 show-cause notices issued; 807 cases lack identifiable offendersOnly five recipients responded to notices, indicating poor complianceNotices served to assistant commissioners for enforcement lapsesFlying squads deployed across zones for actionProposal for camera-fitted patrol vehicles to curb violationsNMC seeks police help to register criminal casesCurrent ₹500 fine termed inadequate; proposal to increase penaltyCase highlights systemic enforcement and accountability gaps