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Nagpur: In order to maintain an attractive face of the city, the Bombay High Court comprising of Justice Bhushan Dharmadhikari and Justice Rohit Deo have increased the scope of the contempt petition and directed petitioner Dinesh Naidu to submit the list of the different political parties, Big Leaders, Agencies and persons involved in erecting illegal hoardings and banners, defacing the city of Nagpur.
The Municipal Commissioner, earlier, filed the affidavit and informed the court that 1944 illegal banners and hoardings were found in Nagpur City from 1st January 2016 to 31st July 2017 out of which 1937 were removed. Total 837 number of persons and agencies were found to be responsible for placement of such illegal banners and hoardings. It is to be mentioned that total Rs. Two lakh thirteen thousand were recovered as fine.
Adv. Tushar Mandlekar arguing for the petitioner Dinesh Naidu pointed out that only 86 FIR’s were registered by the NMC out of 1944 and hence further contempt has been committed by the concerned officials. It may be pointed out that High Court has already directed NMC authorities to remove the “illegal hoardings and banners” and register the FIR under Sec. 3 of Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 1995.
The High Court observed that mere registration of FIR is not enough to curb the menace of the “illegal banners and hoardings” and hence it is necessary to book the political leaders, parties, agencies and hence directed Dinesh Naidu to prepare and submit the list of such political parties, leaders and agencies involved in illegal activities within next two weeks.
It may be noted that the High Court is hearing the contempt petition no:-256/2010 in W.P. No:-749/2005 and 754/2005 in which various directions are already issued to remove the illegal banners and hoardings in city of Nagpur. It is also to be noted that in the year 2015 total 667 illegal hoardings and banners were found but only 54 FIR’s were registered against the persons.
The petitioner urged that the menace of “illegal hoardings and banners” is increasing day by day in the city of Nagpur and authorities are giving a Nelson’s eye to these illegal activities for obvious reasons. The petitioner demanded stringent action against the police officers and NMC officers for violating the directions issued by High Court.
It may be noted that Bombay High Court has already issued contempt notices against leaders of political parties for erecting illegal hoardings and banners in city of Mumbai. The petitioner is consistently fighting against the menace of illegal hoardings to keep the Nagpur Clean.
Adv. Tushar Mandlekar argued for petitioner Dinesh Naidu. Adv. Sudhir Puranik argued for NMC. Adv. Thakre argued for police authorities.
