Pune: PMC To Impose ₹10,000–₹15,000 Fine For Illegal Flex Banners; Commissioner Orders Strict Action On Political Posters
Pune: PMC To Impose ₹10,000–₹15,000 Fine For Illegal Flex Banners; Commissioner Orders Strict Action On Political Posters
Pune, December 10, 2025: To curb the growing issue of illegal flex banners across the city, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has announced a steep hike in penalties. The fine, which currently stands at ₹1,000 per flex, will soon be increased to ₹10,000–₹15,000 for each illegal banner. The Commissioner has also directed the Sky Sign & Licensing Department to intensify action, especially against flexes put up by political groups.
Large banners for events, birthday greetings, and festival wishes are often erected on electric poles, streetlights, signal poles, and public spaces, contributing to visual clutter and loss of municipal revenue. Despite regular action by the Sky Sign, Licensing, and Encroachment Departments, political pressure has often led to selective enforcement, with political flexes going unchecked.
Pedestrian Safety at Risk
Many illegal banners are placed on footpaths or close to roadsides, obstructing pedestrian movement and forcing people to walk on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Before Diwali, the Commissioner had ordered a citywide crackdown on illegal flexes, leading to FIRs against violators. However, the action mostly targeted private companies, while no cases were filed against political leaders. The drive slowed down during the festive season and has not been resumed effectively since.
With civic elections approaching, political aspirants and former corporators are again putting up banners in large numbers, causing inconvenience to pedestrians.
Taking note of a recent report highlighting this issue, Commissioner Ram has now ordered strict action against all illegal flexes, including those put up by political figures, without any exemption.
The intensified drive against unauthorized flex banners is expected to begin immediately.
