Crackdown on illegal flex boards in Mysuru

With the unchecked installation of flex boards and banners in public places marring the city’s beauty and aesthetics, the district administration has stepped in and directed that all unauthorised flex boards and banners be removed immediately.

In his directive, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy on Thursday said associations, organisations, members of the public and others intending to install flex boards and banners in public areas must obtain prior mandatory permission from the concerned local bodies. They must also ensure that no damage is caused to public property and that the materials are removed after the stipulated period. The responsibility for removal rests with the concerned individuals or organisations, he said.

However, it has been observed that unauthorised installation of flex boards and banners in public areas within Mysuru city and district is adversely affecting the district’s heritage and aesthetic appeal.

The Deputy Commissioner has warned of legal action if his direction is not complied with immediately. Under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, as per Section 3, defacing public places through unauthorised advertisements can attract punishment of up to six months’ imprisonment, or a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both.

Similarly, Sections 133 and 136 of the Karnataka Municipalities Act clearly indicate provisions regarding permission for advertisements and removal of unauthorised advertisements, according to a press release.

Therefore, within Mysuru city and district limits, permissions granted for flex boards and banners for any event must be strictly limited to the duration of the event. After the event concludes, the concerned parties must remove the flex boards and banners, the DC stated.