Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), grappling with rampant illegal banners and flexes, is appealing to the High Court to approve designated advertising zones to curb the problem. Despite a sweeping ban, penalties, and court orders, unauthorized installations continue to dominate public spaces.
In the past 11 months alone, BBMP has removed over 25,000 illegal banners, filed nearly 450 FIRs, and imposed ₹4.1 lakh in fines. Yet, officials admit the measures have barely deterred offenders. “We clear them today, they’re back tomorrow. Visibility is everything—even if it breaks the law,” an official explained.
A viral video shared on July 3 reignited public anger, showing Nagarbhavi footpaths blocked by poles, flags, and political flexes, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads. Citizens slammed the encroachment and authorities’ inaction.
Officials argue the current penalties under the Karnataka Open Places Act are too mild, with ₹1,000 fines failing to discourage repeat violations. To strengthen enforcement, BBMP has proposed the 2024 Advertisement Bylaw, featuring dynamic penalties based on banner size and location—potentially doubling standard rates.
The bylaw also recommends creating legal advertising zones inspired by Delhi’s Supreme Court-approved model, allowing limited placements on private properties and broad roads while banning them from footpaths, medians, and trees.
BBMP insists regulating banners will declutter streets, enhance safety, and boost civic revenue. However, the proposal awaits court approval, after the earlier 2018 bylaw was struck down. “Until then, illegal flexes will keep resurfacing,” the official added.