MGP calls for strict enforcement of anti-flex laws

Mysuru: Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), expressing deep concern over the menace of illegal flex banners, hoardings and digital boards across the city, has called for stricter enforcement of anti-flex laws to save Mysuru’s heritage.

Addressing a press meet at Pathrakarthara Bhavan in city this morning, MGP Working President S.K. Dinesh said it is sad that MGP has to remind the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) about unauthorised banners, hoardings and digital boards which are defacing the city.

 They are also directly violating the established State legislation, he said and demanded that the MCC implement the laws to preserve the historic city’s timeless charm of Palaces, public parks and lush greenery irrespective of who are behind them.

He said that despite clear mandates of the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981, illegal banners and flexes continue to compromise intersections and heritage zones. He added that unauthorised public advertisements are a criminal offence which is punishable by imprisonment, hefty fines or both under the Act.

Dinesh also said that the State Legislature had passed the Karnataka Municipalities and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which tightens regulations on outdoor advertisements.

Stating that the latest amendment overhauls enforcement, explicitly empowering Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to crackdown on unauthorised displays in both public and private spaces, file criminal cases against violators and forcefully recover the demolition and removal costs, Dinesh said that the city’s aesthetics and pedestrian safety cannot be sacrificed for unregulated displays.

“In recent years, prominent public spaces have been heavily defaced by political advertisements and event hoardings to celebrate birthdays, welcoming newly elected political leaders or any such accomplishments. It is shocking that MCC has not raised any objections, leave alone imposing fines as mandated. When a city fails to impose a simple law of banning flexes, it will give rise to failure of the rule of law with poor governance,” he said.

MGP Founder-President Bhamy Shenoy, who also spoke, said that they have met the MCC Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner and sought legal action against those erecting flexes and banners and impose fines on them.

He said that MGP has started an online campaign and urged Mysureans to take part in the campaign to end the menace of unauthorised flexes and banners across the city.

MGP Treasurer Ravi Bale said that flexes and banners were marring the beauty of the city and urged elected representatives, political and religious leaders to tell their followers not to put up banners and flexes illegally.

The MGP demanded the MCC to file criminal cases and prosecute political and commercial violators under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981; Utilise the powers of the Karnataka Municipalities (Amendment) Act, 2026, to remove illegal advertisements instantly and penalise the printing agencies and organisers responsible; Enforce the mandatory mechanism to bill violators for the operational costs of pulling down their illegal structures and set up a helpline to report on illegal flexes and banners. MGP Executive Committee Member T.R. Ravindran was present.