Madhya Pradesh High Court Orders Action Against Illegal Hoardings On Dividers, Footpaths In Indore

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken cognisance of a public interest litigation challenging the alleged illegal installation of hoardings and unipoles across Indore, directing municipal authorities to identify and act against structures erected in violation of statutory rules.

The order, passed on March 17, 2026, reflects judicial concern over the growing proliferation of outdoor advertisements on public infrastructure, particularly dividers and footpaths, which are expressly regulated under existing law.

The Division Bench of the High Court at Indore comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi was hearing a PIL filed by Sudesh Gupta, who alleged that the allotment of advertising rights to private respondents and the subsequent installation of hoardings were contrary to the M.P. Outdoor Advertisement Media Rules, 2017. These rules, framed undersection 68 read with Section 433 of the M.P. Municipal Corporation Act, 1956 and Section 124 read with Section 355 of the M.P. Municipalities Act, 1961, lay down specific conditions governing the placement and regulation of outdoor advertisements in urban areas.

Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Abhinav Dhanodkar argued that the rules clearly prohibit the installation of hoardings on road dividers and footpaths, as such structures obstruct pedestrian movement and pose safety hazards. The petition was supported by photographs showing multiple instances of hoardings placed on dividers and pedestrian pathways, allegedly in blatant violation of the statutory framework.

Dr. Amit Bhatia, Government Advocate appeared on behalf of the State.

Taking note of these submissions, the court issued notice to the respondents, including the State authorities and the concerned private entities, directing that the matter be listed after four weeks. The notice is to be served through registered post with acknowledgment due within seven working days, indicating that the court intends to closely monitor compliance and ensure a timely response from all stakeholders.

Significantly, the bench also passed an interim direction aimed at immediate corrective action. It directed the Commissioner of the Indore Municipal Corporation to identify hoardings installed on dividers and footpaths in contravention of the applicable rules and to take action in accordance with law. In a clear message to the civic authorities, the court observed that regulatory provisions cannot be rendered meaningless through unchecked violations and administrative inaction.

“As an interim measure, it is directed that the respondent No.3 / Commissioner, Indore Municipal Corporation will find out the hoardings which are installed on the divider or on the footpath contrary to the rules and will take action in accordance with the law,” the court said.

The proceedings will now continue after four weeks, with the Court expected to examine the responses of the respondents and the steps taken pursuant to its interim directions.

Case Title: Sudesh Gupta v. The State of Madhya Pradesh and Others

Date of Order: March 17, 2026

Bench: Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi