High Court Upholds Municipal Right to Levy Billboard Fees

The Bombay High Court confirmed that municipal corporations can regulate and levy fees for sky-signs, hoardings, and billboards. This decision upholds civic bodies' powers amidst challenges, ensuring public interest is prioritized in city skyline management. The court dismissed petitions against the municipalities' fee structures, emphasizing their legal authority.

The Bombay High Court has reaffirmed that municipal bodies possess the authority to regulate and impose fees for sky-signs, hoardings, and billboards. The decision dismissed challenges to the municipal corporations' fee structures, emphasizing the significance of regulating these structures in modern cities.

In a ruling by Justices G S Kulkarni and Advait Sethna, the court highlighted the pivotal role such advertising structures play in shaping modern city skylines. The regulation and control of these structures were deemed vital to avoid chaotic and unrestricted displays.

Petitioners argued the fees were unreasonably high, yet the court found the rates neither excessive nor arbitrary. The judgement underlined municipal powers to issue and renew licenses under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, ensuring public interests are safeguarded with technological advancements in advertising.

(With inputs from agencies.)