Mumbai's Marathi Signboards Directive: A Month to Comply

Mumbai Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi warns shops and establishments to display Marathi signboards within a month or face 'Shiv Sena-style' action. The directive, backed by Supreme Court orders, aims to uphold Marathi identity in Mumbai. Non-compliance has resulted in fines and additional enforcement measures are planned.

Mumbai Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi has issued a stern warning to shops and establishments in the city, including upscale hotels and celebrity-owned stores, to prominently display signboards in Marathi written in Devanagari script within one month.

Ghadi emphasized that the requirement for Marathi signboards is mandated by Supreme Court directives and has been largely enforced, although around 5,020 establishments remain non-compliant. To date, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed penalties on over 3,000 establishments, collecting fines totaling Rs 1.91 crore.

In a push for compliance, Ghadi warned that inaction would lead to 'Shiv Sena-style' responses, echoing sentiments from party president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. BMC law committee chairperson Diksha Karkar is supporting the initiative, with plans for further action post the one-month deadline.