HC directs Delhi govt to implement new poster law

New Delhi, Apr 29 (UNI) The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government to ensure the compliance of the ''The Prevention of Defacement of Property Bill, 2007'' effectively to stop the poster menace in the city.

A petition was filed in this regard by one Monica Arora, who had contended that despite the High Court orders, no action was taken against those who stick posters on the walls of the city and deface the public property. The Capital was continously defaced by posters and the Delhi police was not able to protect the public property, she added.

The Delhi government yesterday submitted a copy of the Bill before the High Court.

A bench, comprising Justices T S Thakur and Siddharth Mridul, was informed by counsel for NCT and Delhi Police, Ms Zubeda Begum, that the Bill will come into force within next two months.

Ms Zubeda assured the court that the new Bill, besides having stringent terms, will also hold the person whose name was on the poster as guilty.

According to the new Act , ''Whoever defaces any property in public view by marking with ink, chalk, paint or any other material, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with a fine which may extend to Rs 50,000 or both.'' UNI SNG SP RP RL RK1905