Bengaluru Grapples with Illegal Flex Banner Surge

Fast Summary:

• illegal flexes and Banners: Despite a blanket ban imposed by the Karnataka High Court in 2018, Bengaluru continues to be flooded with illegal flexes and banners during political, religious, or development events.
• Enforcement Actions: In the fiscal year 2024-25 and till date, BBMP removed 27,207 flexes and collected ₹4.08 lakh in fines; police filed 461 FIRs under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981.
• Zones Affected Most: Mahadevapura zone reported the highest number of FIRs (113), followed by West Zone (91), Yelahanka (69), and South Zone (56).
• Political Rivalries & Religious Practices: Politicians’ supporters compete to install more banners than rivals during events like birthdays. Religious programmes also drive notable banner installations despite temporary permissions granted by BBMP.
• Challenges faced: Weak enforcement laws impose negligible fines (<₹2,000) compared to banner costs; offenders easily secure bail. Staffing issues prevent BBMP from efficiently combating overnight installations or ensuring compliance with removal timelines after events end.
• Innovative Measures Attempted: Two tender bids for outsourcing flex removal saw no applicants due to fear of politicians; BBMP now plans AI-enabled cameras on vehicles for real-time tracking of illegal banners.
• Legal Relief Expected: A writ petition involving stricter control on advertisements is pending in Karnataka High Court.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The continuing proliferation of illegal flexes and banners highlights systemic gaps in enforcement mechanisms and also societal indifference toward urban aesthetics and legal compliance in Bengaluru. While political rivalry exacerbates this issue-with one-upmanship driving mass-banner installations-religious sentiments further complicate matters due to lenient authorizations issued out of cultural respect but followed inconsistently.

The penalties under current legislation appear inadequate to deter offenders who see these fines as trivial relative to their objectives-be it visibility or public engagement via such displays-and routinely exploit loopholes for immunity against stronger punitive actions like imprisonment.

BBMP’s attempt at technological solutions via AI-equipped surveillance vehicles indicates efforts toward resource optimization amidst manpower shortages but may face execution challenges without robust judicial backing or infrastructural preparedness.

A stricter ruling from the Karnataka High Court could push both politicians and citizens towards greater accountability over urban disfigurement practices-a long overdue corrective measure necessary not only for aesthetic improvement but also instilling collective civic obligation across diverse stakeholder groups.

Read more: The Hindu