Pune: PMC Files 71 Complaints, Registers 26 FIRs Against Illegal Banners And Hoardings Across CityÂ
Pune: PMC Files 71 Complaints, Registers 26 FIRs Against Illegal Banners And Hoardings Across CityÂ
Pune, October 9, 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized banners, posters, and hoardings displayed across the city. On Wednesday, the civic body lodged 71 complaints, out of which 26 FIRs were officially registered against individuals and organizations responsible for defacing public property.
The action was initiated under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995. PMC recently announced that violators would face a fine of ₹1,000 per offence for putting up illegal publicity material.
The highest number of complaints came from the Bhavani Peth ward (14), followed by Ghole Road (12). Interestingly, no cases were reported from Bibwewadi, Aundh-Baner, Warje-Karvenagar, and Nagar Road wards.
Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B P said that dedicated civic teams continue to monitor and remove such materials, adding that legal action will persist against defaulters. The civic administration has also directed each ward office to register at least five complaints daily.
A senior PMC official explained that the Sky Sign and Anti-Encroachment departments jointly take action based on the scale of violations, with fines ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the size and placement of the publicity material.
However, civic activists remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. Qaneez Sukhrani, who has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court, pointed out that despite repeated announcements, illegal banners continue to appear across Pune. Similarly, Vivek Velankar of Sajag Nagarik Manch emphasized the need for accountability among civic officials to ensure sustained enforcement.
As per PMC regulations, temporary banners and posters can be displayed only after securing permission and paying ₹500 per day. The civic body had previously proposed 150 designated sites for authorized advertising across 15 wards, but the plan is yet to be implemented.
