Almost every party tried to gain political mileage by lauding the sacrifices made by slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare, ACP Ashok Kamte and encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar. Somita Pal questions authorities on why despite flouting the law, these posters continue to dot public places, more than a month after the terror attacks
Almost every party tried to gain political mileage by lauding the sacrifices made by slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare, ACP Ashok Kamte and encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar. Somita Pal questions authorities on why despite flouting the law, these posters continue to dot public places, more than a month after the terror attacks
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Nearly 90 per cent of the hoardings on 26/11 terror attacks are illegal. However, the municipal commissioner says the hoardings can't be removed because it is a sensitive issue. Moreover, the BMC has no space to dump these hoardings because they are not biodegradable. Why don't political parties spend the money on people affected in this terror attack?
- Mayor Dr Shubha Raul
'They are attached to the sentiments of the people'
Many of the banners installed in context with the Mumbai terror attacks are illegal. But we are not taking any action as the situation demands so. It is attached to the sentiments of the people. Not one of these people has sought the mandatory license from us before erecting the banners.u00a0
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- Senior BMC official
'An offence underu00a0the BMC ACT
If the BMC takes action under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, many big political leaders could land in serious trouble. In fact, even as per the State Defacement of Property Act 1995, putting up banners and defacement is a cognisable offence, which attracts six months' imprisonment or a fine up to Rs 2,000.
- Bhagwanji Raiyani, activist fighting illegal political banners in the country
The procedure |
According to the municipal guidelines, political parties that intend to install banners need to take permission from the BMC after paying the necessary amount. However, after the terror attacks in the city, the License Department of the BMC that issues permissions for installing banners, have not received even a single application. |