“If there is no Marathi signboard, double the property tax: Mumbai Corporation’s decision, to be implemented from May 1.”

Mumbai, 9th April 2024: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to take strict action against those who violate the rules of putting nameplates in Marathi language with Devanagari script on shops and establishments. Businesses that do not have Marathi name plates will now face heavy penalties.

The Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani issued orders for stringent action against those flouting the rules of putting up nameplates in Marathi language with clear characters in Devanagari script, following a meeting on Monday. As per the orders of the Supreme Court, a two-month deadline was given until November 25, 2023, to install nameplates in Marathi language with Devanagari script. Subsequently, the municipality began inspections from November 28, 2023. It has been found that out of 87,047 shops and establishments, 84,007 (96.50%)
have complied by putting up nameplates in Marathi. Notices have been issued to 3,040 establishments for legal action.

In total, 1,928 cases related to Marathi nameplates have been filed in the courts and fines totaling 13.94 lakh rupees have been imposed on 177 business owners. Hearings for 1,751 cases have been postponed. Out of the 916 cases brought to the municipality for hearings, decisions have been made on 343 cases, resulting in the collection of fines amounting to 31.86 lakh rupees. Administrative action has been initiated for the hearings of the remaining 573 cases, as informed by Deputy Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar.

If there are no Marathi nameplates, then the permit issued for the published signboard (Glow Sign Board) will be immediately canceled. Upon cancellation of this permit, in order to obtain a new permit and to prepare the signboard, the relevant establishment owners may have to bear fines ranging from 25 thousand to two lakh rupees.