Marathi Board Signage Issue: Mumbai Authorities Set to Take Action Against Non-Compliant Shops

Mumbai, 28th November 2023: Action will be taken from Tuesday against establishments in Mumbai that have not complied with the mandatory requirement of displaying name boards in the Marathi language. The deadline for putting up Marathi name boards on shops and establishments has expired, and about 20 percent of the approximately five lakh establishments in Mumbai have not adhered to this rule.

Last year, the state government mandated the display of Marathi name boards in bold on all shops and establishments. The ‘Federation of Retail Traders’ filed a petition challenging this requirement, which was dismissed by the Bombay High Court. Following an extension of three months granted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), many shopkeepers failed to put up Marathi boards. The shopkeepers then approached the Supreme Court in October 2022, seeking relief from the enforcement of specific requirements related to Marathi boards. However, the Supreme Court rejected their demand, giving them two months to comply.

The deadline, which ended on November 25, 2023, signifies the commencement of action against establishments without Marathi name boards. A team of senior facilitators and facilitators from the shops and establishment department has been empowered to take action.

Approximately five lakh shops and establishments in Mumbai have been surveyed, revealing that 18 to 20 per cent still lack Marathi signage. Notices were issued to over five thousand shopkeepers last year by the BMC, but after the traders’ association approached the Supreme Court, the enforcement was temporarily halted.

Viren Shah of the Federation of Retail Traders mentioned that 80 per cent of shopkeepers have put up Marathi nameplates, but he urged the municipal team to not only target small shopkeepers but also scrutinize larger establishments and five-star hotels.

Some shopkeepers, particularly in the mobile, ice cream, and electronic goods sectors, have faced difficulties in changing their nameplates due to advertisements from respective companies. To convert these names into Marathi, permission from the concerned companies is required.

As per the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, owners failing to comply with the rule may face a fine of Rs 2,000 per worker, and legal action can be initiated against them.