DCPs made nodal officers to act against illegal banners

THANE: Acting on the directive of the Bombay High Court and subsequent order from the director general of police, deputy commissioners of police (DCP) of all five zones under the Thane police commissionerate have been appointed as nodal officers to provide security to civic officials during their drive against illegal banners and hoardings.
Respective DCPs will be the nodal officers of Zones I, II, III, IV and V.
“We have received directives from the director general of police to appoint DCPs as nodal officers to review the drive against illegal hoardings. These nodal officers will act on complaints filed by civic officials. The offenders will then be booked under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 1995. We have already formalized this process and apprised of the appointment of nodal officers to the civic administration,” said V V Laxminarayana, Thane joint police commissioner.
“Putting up illegal banners is a contempt of the Bombay High Court order which enables civic bodies to file criminal cases against lawbreakers,” said Manoj Barde, a resident.
“If the senior police officer expresses his inability to provide protection to the civic officials while action is being taken against the offenders, a nodal officer’s assistance can be sought. If the cops on duty come across any defacement taking place, then the civic officials will be informed at the same time,” said a senior cop.
The law states that defacing any place open to public view shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or fine which may extend to Rs 2,000, or both. Defacement includes interfering with the appearance or beauty, damaging, disfiguring, spoiling or injuring in any way whatsoever.