Lokayukta notice to political parties for hoardings

Delhi Lokayukta on Tuesday issued notices to Delhi unit presidents of all political parties, voicing strong objection to hoardings and banners put up by their workers, legislators and councillors.

The notices by Lokayukta Justice Manmohan Sarin came in response to a petition filed by one Rajesh Garg protesting against hoardings and posters put up by Delhi Pradesh President of BJP Vijender Gupta.

Garg had claimed the posters and hoardings had been put up earlier this year by Gupta without permission from the municipal corporation or the PWD.

"It is considered expedient and in the interest of justice to issue notices to the Delhi state presidents of all the parties registered as national parties in Delhi since it was their legislators, councillors and other leaders whose hoardings and posters are found," Justice Sarin said in an order.

The Lokayukta also issued notices to Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi Vijay Dev for his comment on the issues. The Lokayukta set January 10, 2013 for filing of replies to the notices.

Putting up of hoardings and posters without prior permission is an offence under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007.

The Lokayukta had earlier issued notices to PWD, DDA and municipal authorities.

In his order, Justice Sarin indicated that uniform guidelines should be formed for putting up of hoardings and posters by the political parties.