Delhi HC Issues Notice to Delhi Govt, MCD, and Police on PIL Over Anti-Defacement Law Enforcement

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice to the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Delhi Police on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking strict enforcement of anti-defacement laws to curb unauthorised posters, banners, and hoardings across the national capital.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the MCD to submit an affidavit outlining the steps taken over the past year to implement the city’s anti-defacement policy.

The Delhi Police has also been asked to furnish data on prosecutions initiated under the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007, during the same period. Both affidavits are to be filed within four weeks, with copies shared with the petitioner.

The Court passed the order while hearing a PIL filed by the Jan Seva Welfare Society, through its president, Ajay Aggarwal. Advocates Yogesh Goel, Vivek Punia, Shivam Goel, and Aryan Singh appeared for the petitioner, arguing that despite a detailed policy framework, the authorities have failed to ensure its effective implementation.

The plea cites the recent elections of the Shree Agrasen North-Ex Welfare Society, which manages Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Sector-22, Rohini, as an instance of blatant disregard for anti-defacement norms. It alleges that numerous posters and banners were put up illegally in violation of the 2007 Act and related policies on unauthorised advertisements.

Referring to its order dated October 29, 2025, the Bench noted that the issue of unauthorised posters and banners has become a recurring concern brought before the Court almost every year. The judges said different parties continue to approach them seeking directions on enforcement measures, while adding that it was inappropriate for the authorities to wait for judicial orders instead of acting on their own initiative. The Court emphasised that there was a need for proactive enforcement of the law and policies.

During the hearing, Sameer Vashisht, Standing Counsel for the Delhi Government; Tushar Sannu, Standing Counsel for the MCD; and Jagdish Chandra, Central Government Standing Counsel, appeared for the respondents and accepted notice.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 11, 2026.

Date: 31 October 2025

Inputs: ANI