Ad agencies to HC: CIDCO notice on removal of illegal hoardings 'unlawful'

Two advertising agencies have approached the Bombay High Court to contest a notice issued by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) targeting illegal hoardings in the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA).

The agencies, Devangi Outdoor Advertising and Harmesh Dilip Tanna, proprietor of Gargee Graphics, argue that the notices demanding action within 24 hours are arbitrary and unlawful.

CIDCO's notice comes in response to the tragic billboard collapse in Ghatkopar on May 13, which resulted in 17 deaths and 75 injuries. The collapse, triggered by an unexpected storm, highlighted the dangers posed by illegal hoardings.

In their petition, the agencies claim they have legally erected hoardings overlooking highways and expressways, having obtained all necessary permissions. Despite this, they received CIDCO's notice on May 22, which ordered the removal of the hoardings within 24 hours or face prosecution under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. The notice also stated that the authorities might dismantle the hoardings and recover the costs from the petitioners.

The agencies contend that the notices are illegal because they lack specific measurements and detailed descriptions of the purportedly unauthorized structures. They also argue that the notices were issued without a show-cause notice, violating principles of natural justice.