Jabalpur Municipal Corporation’s (JMC) crackdown on illegal posters and banners has started with visible action on the ground, but a key question is now surfacing. Is the drive being enforced equally, or are political displays being spared? The civic body has launched a special drive against unauthorised hoardings, posters and banners under Madhya Pradesh Outdoor Advertisement Media Rules, 2017. Teams have started removing publicity material put up by private establishments, institutions and social organisations from walls, poles and public places. However, a walk through major city squares and roads tells a different story. Large political hoardings, posters and banners continue to dominate road dividers, rotaries, electricity poles, heritage structures, bus stands and even railway premises. Many of these displays, put up by political leaders and parties, remain untouched despite clearly violating the same rules. Residents said that while smaller, non-political posters are being swiftly removed, bigger and more prominent political displays are still in place.

 

These structures not only clutter key squares, road dividers but also dent the city’s ongoing beautification efforts. Citizens say such selective enforcement weakens the intent of the campaign. Handsome public funds have been invested in improving central verges, squares and other public properties. Unchecked political hoardings, often erected to project individual or party image, are now ruining that work and affecting the city’s visual identity. Officials maintain that the drive aims to ensure a clean and organized city.

 

They have reiterated that no advertisement, whether commercial or otherwise, will be allowed without prior permission. Violators face a penalty of Rs 10 per square foot per day, along with possible legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). JMC administration has also stated that authorized agencies will handle all advertising work going forward, which will help boost revenue and maintain uniform standards. Yet, the success of the campaign will depend on one crucial factor; fair and uniform enforcement. If the rules are applied selectively, the message of discipline and civic responsibility risks getting lost. For many in Jabalpur, the expectation is clear; the law must be the same for all, regardless of who puts up the poster.