Slogan-writing: Ramulu warns of tough action

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, DEC. 21. The city police and the MCH together are launching a special drive against disfigurement of public places, pasting of obscene posters and writing of objectionable slogans on various walls in the city from Friday.

Addressing a joint press conference here on Thursday, the Police Commissioner, Mr. P. Ramulu, said provisions of the A.P. Prevention of Disfigurement of Open Places and Prohibition of Obscene and Objectionable Advertisements Act of 1997 would be enforced strictly and prosecute those responsible for violating the rules. Accordingly, slogan-writing, pasting of posters, tying of banners by educational institutions, political parties and religious groups would be prohibited in the city limits.

Mr. Ramulu said pasting of a poster would attract a fine of Rs. 50, those indulging in objectionable writings face an imprisonment for one year apart from a fine of Rs. 2,000. If the slogans or posters were exhibited without the consent of the owner of the premises, those responsible for putting them would be liable for imprisonment up to three months and a fine of Rs. 2,000. Displaying obscene posters would attract a six-month imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5,000.

The MCH has agreed to identify 20 places in the city limits where banners and posters relating to conferences, meetings, celebrations and advertisements would be permitted. Its Commissioner, Mr. P.K. Mohanty, said the efforts of the civic authorities in beautifying the city were affected by the indiscriminate pasting of posters, wall-writings and banners.

Even those using electricity poles for displaying advertisements would not be spared henceforth. "These poles are our property and we will launch criminal prosecution for trespassing against those pasting posters on them," Dr. Mohanty said.

On the three-day police drive for streamlining the traffic which ended on Thursday, the Police Commissioner said: "The drive has yielded good results." Another drive would be launched, if needed, he said, adding that the Ranga Reddy police, too, would be involved in this.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : New road underbridge near Rail Nilayam almost
           ready
Next     : MCH drive to remove encroachments on footpaths