Karnataka Minister DK Shivakumar In The Dock For Allegedly Not Removing Illegal Ad Banners

Mutturaj, an assistant revenue officer of BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) working in RR Nagar ward has slapped a complaint against Karnataka water resources minister DK Shivakumar for allegedly refusing to remove illegal banners.

In the complaint, Mutturaj has mentioned that despite the municipal body advertising that illegal banners are banned the minister flouted rules. He said that although a notice was sent to DK Shivakumar on September 6th, he'd allegedly not replied to it. The complainant further sought legal action against the Karnataka minister.

The FIR against DK Shivakumar has been booked under Karnataka Open Place Disfigurement Act 1951 and 1981(Penalty for unauthorized disfigurement by advertisement), under Sections 3 and 5. Also Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act 1976 under sections 233,285 (Prohibition against obstruction to streets). Under section 188 of the IPC 1860(
Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code).

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Illegal advertisement banners have been a blot on the city's beauty. Last month the Karnataka High Court came down heavily on the BBMP on the issue of illegal banners. Following the directive, the BBMP was pushed to take action against illegal banners.

The BBMP passed the ‘Outdoor Signage and Public Messaging’ bylaws and implemented an official ban on all forms of outdoor advertisements in the city following Karnataka High Court's strict observation. Petitioner and activist Sai Datta said, " The Karnataka High Court's direction is very clear. It is restore Bengaluru's old glory. BBMP must implement the rules and everyone is bound by the law including ministers. We've seen many instances where netas like Lalu Prasad Yadav have appeared in front of the court. No one is above law."

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Interestingly Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy had tweeted that time in support of the ban. "I request all leaders, party workers, political parties and other organizations to co-operate with the BBMP and the government in keeping Bengaluru free of flex banners and illegal hoardings. Let us all get together to keep our city clean and beautiful." But ironically this time around his own cabinet minister is facing legal charges for allegedly not removing illegal banners.