Illegal hoardings: Lokayukta notice to CM, transport minister

Show-cause notices were issued to Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, transport minister Ramakant Goswami and six other MLAs by the city Lokayukta on Wednesday taking objection to putting up of hoardings and banners allegedly in violation of law.

Show-cause notices were issued to Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, transport minister Ramakant Goswami and six other MLAs by the city Lokayukta on Wednesday taking objection to putting up of hoardings and banners allegedly in violation of law.

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The Lokayukta asked the legislators to file their replies by July 22 while observing that enforcement agencies were reluctant to take action against the ‘powerful and mighty’.

The notices by Lokayukta justice Manmohan Sarin came in response to a petition filed by SK Saxena, seeking action against public functionaries who put up hoardings and posters without taking permission from the authorities concerned.

Fourteen serving and former municipal councillors were also issued notices by the anti-graft body for erecting posters and banners in violation of law.

Putting up of hoardings and posters without permission is an offence under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007. As per provision of the Act, offenders can face imprisonment for up to one year.

“The banners, posters and hoardings are put up on smallest pretext. Be it a birthday, a festival or winning some internal election or inauguration of a road or a project,” said the Lokayukta in his order.