Chennai: The Greater Chennai corporation has issued a stern warning against those putting up unauthorized advertisement banners in the city and has informed that violators will be subjected to severe consequences. In a statement issued, K.Prakash, commissioner, Greater Chennai corporation, has warned that violators would have to face one-year imprisonment in addition to paying Rs 5,000 in a penalty for each banner. He further added that the licence of the company concerned and the printing press would also be revoked if found guilty.
Under section 326 of Chennai Municipal Corporation Act 1919 , public should obtain permission from corporation officials before putting up a banner, he said in the statement. They should also print their banners only at shops registered with the corporation and the banner should include details like permit number, date of approval, number of banners approved, permitted the size of the banner, validity period of the approval along with the printer’s details on the lower side of the banner, read the statement.
The Madras high court passed an interim order last year banning political parties from putting up banners in the city. “Even if the court quashes the ban, violators will be punished under Sec 287 of Municipal Corporation Act 1919,” , he said.
The public should also avail no-objection certificates (NOC) from the local police station two days prior to erecting the banners, along with NOCs from building owners concerned. The dimensions of the banner should also be in accordance with those fixed by the corporation( based on the width of the road). The statement also notified that there should be a minimum of 10 metres interval between two banners.
