Political parties have no respect for court orders: Bombay High Court on illegal hoardings

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday took strong exception to the violation of its orders regarding illegal hoardings, particularly in the vicinity of the High Court and Fort area. .A Bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar expressed concerns about the apparent disrespect for its authority by political parties and organizations."In an earlier order, the court had cautioned political parties and reminded them about the undertaking given by them. However, it appears that the political party and organization do not have respect for court orders," the Court said. It was hearing contempt of court petitions concerning non-compliance with a 2017 judgment that addressed the issue of hoardings and banners erected by political parties and other organizations.The Court also pulled up the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its inaction despite earlier warnings. "You permitted hoarding in front of the high court also? You people have started taking the court for granted like this. Why has this happened? How did you allow this?" the bench remarked in frustration..The Court took exception to the fact that no action had been taken to remove the hoardings after they were put up. "You say this shouldn't have happened, the commissioner will say it shouldn't have happened. Why was action not taken till now? Was it not reported to the ward officer, commissioner? Why was it not reported?" the bench questioned.The Court highlighted the apparent disregard for its orders, saying, "Despite our explicit and clear direction issued earlier, it appears concrete steps are not being taken by the municipal corporation of Mumbai and other corporations to check illegal hoardings We already expressed our concern in an earlier order about the environmental hazard which such hoardings may cause."Given the seriousness of the matter, it asked the Advocate General of Maharashtra to take instructions on the issue and posted the case for further hearing on Thursday.