Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has faced criticism from the High Court for defying a stay order and proceeding with the removal of hoardings on private property. Despite the court’s clear instructions, AMC officials initiated the removal process overnight, prompting a stern rebuke from Justice Nikhil Kareliya.

The court questioned the AMC’s disregard for the stay order, demanding to know why the officials had chosen to disobey the court’s directives. Justice Kareliya stated, “If the High Court has granted relief and issued a stay to the petitioners, why haven’t you adhered to the order?”

To ensure compliance, the court imposed a strict deadline, warning that if any hoardings were removed after 5 pm on September 19, the municipal commissioner would be required to appear before the court. The AMC’s lawyer assured the court that no further actions would be taken, but the court remained vigilant.

The High Court emphasised that if the AMC violated its assurance and proceeded with the removal of hoardings, the petitioners would have the right to bring the matter immediately to the court’s attention.

The court reprimanded the AMC for its disregard of the stay order, stating that the corporation should have filed a civil application for clarification if it intended to take any action. The AMC’s lack of satisfactory explanations for its actions further fueled the court’s criticism.

The incident stems from a previous legal battle between various advertising agencies and the AMC over the corporation’s new hoarding policy. The High Court had granted relief to the agencies and issued a stay order against the removal of their associated hoardings.

However, the AMC’s removal of the hoardings prompted the agencies to file a new petition seeking justice. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for September 25.

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