Corporation of Chennai (COC) has issued a notification warning that unauthorized advertisers would face a penalty of Rs.10,000 and a prison term of three years.

Hoardings/advertizing banners are erected at many public places in and around Chennai by individuals and organizations without taking proper permission/approval from the local authorities. Many a time, such banners/hoardings turn out to be a cause of nuisance to commuters/road-users and cases of public interest litigation (PIL) petitions have also been filed with the High Court of Chennai in this regard.

At times, these banners/hoardings also cause accidents. It is in this backdrop that the COC has taken a serious view of ‘unauthorized’ advertizing by individuals and firms/companies/organizations/political parties.

“Unauthorized advertizing would not only attract a penalty of Rs.10,000 but also a prison term of three years. Appropriate action under the above-said rules would be initiated against the owner(s) of premises who haven’t informed the COC about the banners/hoardings,” the notification further said. It also banned unauthorized use of walls in public places/parks/Govt.-owned establishments.