HP High Court Expands Scope of Political Advertisements Petition in Shimla
1 min read
Himachal Pradesh High Court Expands Scope of Petition Alleging Placement of Political Parties’ Advertisements within Shimla Municipal Limits
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has extended the scope of a petition alleging the placement of political parties’ advertisements within the jurisdiction of the Shimla Municipal Corporation. The court has requested a list of all municipal corporations, municipal councils, and municipal panchayats in the entire state. The hearing for the case, presided over by Chief Justice M.S. Ramchandran and Justice Ajay Mohan Goyal, is scheduled for September 19. Previously, the court had issued orders to establish a toll-free number for complaints regarding the placement of political parties’ advertisements within the Shimla Municipal Corporation area. Additionally, orders were given to provide WhatsApp and SMS services for the same purpose. Notably, the High Court had earlier issued orders to immediately remove hoardings of political parties within the Shimla Municipal Corporation area.
The court had emphasized that no political party or advertiser can violate the rules and install advertisements and hoardings. The petitioner has alleged that during the visit of Bharatiya Janata Party’s National President Jagat Prakash Nadda to Shimla, his party flagrantly violated the regulations. Large advertisements were placed around Ridge Ground, Shimla, and the All India Radio campus. According to Rule 9 of the Shimla Municipal Corporation, advertisements of any kind are prohibited from Rashtrapati Bhavan to Chhota Shimla and Mall Road area. Similarly, placing advertisements on Ridge Ground is strictly prohibited. Allegations have been made of blatant violation of this rule.
