The deadline for shops to display Marathi signboards ended five days ago, but it appears that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is not eager to take action against defaulters. Shiv Sena leaders have accused the BMC of going soft on defaulters, while the shop owners association approached the Supreme Court again for a stay on the diktat, and has written to the Chief Minister and civic chief asking them to not take action until the top court`s direction.

Though there is less than 40 per cent compliance for Marathi signboards in the city, and the demand for a third extension to the deadline expired on September 30, the BMC has not acted against defaulting shop owners. Its stand raises questions as even the Supreme Court refused to extend the deadline for the implementation of Marathi signboards on September 30. An official from the licence department said they were waiting for approval from senior level to decide on action to be taken.