During a brief but pointed hearing on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court pressed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Police to explain what concrete steps they have taken in the last year to curb the growing problem of illegal posters, hoardings, and banners across the city. The matter came up in a public interest plea filed by Jan Seva Welfare Society, alleging that government bodies are failing to enforce the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007.
Background
The petitioner’s counsel argued that despite a detailed policy and standard operating procedure already in place since 2018-following an earlier court direction-public spaces are still routinely plastered with political banners, advertisements, and promotional posters, particularly during election seasons. “Every flyover pillar, wall, and market entry is turned into a billboard,” the lawyer suggested, calling it civic neglect rather than lack of law.
The Court recalled that the policy originated in the 2018 case Col. Shivraj Kumar v. SDMC & Ors., which required civic bodies to remove unauthorized visual clutter from public spaces and impose penalties on violators.
Court’s Observations
The bench, headed by the Chief Justice, listened carefully and turned directly to the authorities present. The judges emphasized that a law without enforcement loses meaning.
“The bench observed, ‘If the policy exists only on paper, it defeats the very purpose of the Act. We are interested in actual implementation on the ground.’”
The Court noted that defacement is not just an aesthetic issue but one tied to governance, accountability, and public environment. In simple terms, the judges stressed that the system must work not selectively, but consistently.
Decision
The Court directed the MCD to file an affidavit detailing all actions taken in the past one year under the anti-defacement policy-particularly removal drives and penalties imposed. The Delhi Police was also directed to submit a report of prosecutions launched within the same period under the 2007 Act.
Both reports must be filed within four weeks and shared with the petitioner. The matter will now be heard again on February 11, 2026.
Case Title: Jan Seva Welfare Society v. Government of NCT of Delhi & Others 2025-3-628828
Court: Delhi High Court, New Delhi 2025-3-628828
Case Number: W.P.(C) 16339/2025 2025-3-628828
Petitioner: Jan Seva Welfare Society 2025-3-628828
Respondents:
- Government of NCT of Delhi
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- Union Government (represented through CGSC) 2025-3-628828
Next Hearing Date: 11 February 2026. 2025-3-628828
