Ranchi Municipal Corporation Fines Rs 30 Lakh for Illegal Posters and Banners

Ranchi: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) collected around Rs 30.25 lakh as fine from institutions and establishments in December last year for erecting illegal posters, banners, and flex boards across the city, the civic body said.

The action was part of a sustained effort to curb defacement of public spaces and enforce advertising norms, it added on Sunday.


A total of 121 institutions and establishments were found violating provisions of the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011, by displaying advertisements in public places without prior permission. Each violator was fined Rs 25,000, it said.

Enforcement teams of the civic body removed and seized unauthorised posters and flex boards from walls, electric poles, road dividers, and public buildings across major stretches of the city. Recently, illegal advertisements were removed from areas such as Kutchery Road and Dangratoli.

Civic officials said several other violators failed to deposit the penalty amount despite repeated notices.

“Despite issuance of letters and notices, the penalty amount was not deposited by several institutions,” an official statement said, adding that strict action was being planned against 26 defaulting establishments.

The statement warned that cancellation of trade licences and other punitive measures under the municipal laws would be initiated against these 26 defaulters if they fail to pay the fines.

Residents have welcomed the drive, saying unregulated advertisements affected both safety and the city’s appearance. “Posters are pasted everywhere, even near traffic signals. They hide signboards and make the city look cluttered,” said Ramesh Verma of Lalpur.

A commuter, Sunita Kumari, said, “Loose flex banners often pose risks. During rain or strong winds, these banners can fall and injure pedestrians.”

People involved in putting up advertisements said the practice was common. “We are often asked to paste posters overnight without any paperwork. Most clients just want visibility,” said an advertisement installer in Kokar.

RMC officials added the crackdown would continue to keep the city clean, orderly, and visually uncluttered.