On Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court expressed its disappointment with the state police for not having done anything about the 258 criminal cases registered against those who have hoisted unauthorized hoardings and flexes around the city. Since August 11, several complaints have been registered against those who have placed such flexes in the city, without permission. This is in direct violation of the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981.

Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice S Sujatha stated that if the investigations were not completed at the earliest, the police commissioner would be called upon to explain the delays. Further, it has been reported that the police have been given time until the next hearing on December 17, to complete the probe into all the 258 cases. According to the data provided, it was noted that while 480 cases were registered, 258 cases have yet to be investigated and another 190 cases which were charge-sheeted were awaiting trial in the jurisdictional courts. It was also noted that in 29 cases, the accused were convicted following trial.

It was reported that 480 cases were reported between August 11 and December 7 of this year, where illegal hoardings were placed around the city and a total of 428 arrests were made.

The bench also noted that several cases were pending for investigation since September and that it was a “serious fault” on the part of the police department and stated that it may be required to summon the police commissioner. The court also asked if the police department officials expected to be told what to do every time in this manner, adding to its disappointment with the department.

In the meantime, the BBMP has been asked to file its responses to affidavits filed by several ad agencies. The agencies have provided cloth samples which can be used for advertisements, in place of banned plastic materials.