Overview

• The court said it will consider directing departmental inquiries if civic officials fail to address complaints about illegal banners within a fixed timeframe, with the provision to feature in an order due within a fortnight.
• Advocate General Birendra Saraf submitted state suggestions naming ward-level nodal officers, including the BMC’s Senior Inspector of Licence in each ward, to ensure removal and compliance.
• Political parties would file fresh undertakings within four weeks and submit affidavits within a month detailing compliance steps and naming a responsible representative.
• Citizen mechanisms proposed include toll-free complaint lines with photo and location uploads, action on anonymous complaints, and daily ward rounds by nodal officers to remove violations and initiate legal action.
• Checks outlined include mandatory QR codes on authorised banners, printer verification of permissions, photographic records for reference, and police registration of offences under the Defacement Act upon municipal reports; the next hearing is set for October 15.