Noose tightens on illegal banners with criminal action on violators

Passing orders on a PIL filed against illegal hoardings, the first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice MM Sundresh, said, “In the course of arguments, it transpires that the hoarding business may be controlled by a handful of people, possibly 10 and thus, appropriate action is necessary for repeated violations, apart from the consequences which may flow onto the owners on whose properties such hoardings are installed.” 

Similarly, on recording the government submission that the fine is extremely low and this aspect would be taken up by the State for amending the provision to provide for a punitive amount of penalty, the bench said, “We feel that priority must be given to these cases and the Registrar General is directed to take steps for designation of a magistrate to hear such cases, the moment the chargesheet is filed. Needless to say that we would expect quick investigation by the police, as the scope is very limited.” 

Also directing the Kancheepuram district collector to file an affidavit regarding 52 such hoardings, the bench posted the case to April 12 for further hearing.