India
The Bombay High Court sustains the obligatory Marathi signboard law
The Maharashtra government’s decision to require Marathi signage on commercial premises across the state has been maintained by the Bombay High Court. On February 23, 2022, the High Court dismissed a plea filed by a retail merchants organization challenging the state government’s order.
The Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA) had filed a writ case against the Maharashtra government’s rule before the Bombay High Court. The Maharashtra MVA government endorsed a cabinet motion in January this year mandating that all shops in the state prominently display a signboard in Marathi. A similar law was passed by the state government in 2017, however, it was not implemented according to the rules.
The Bombay High Court ruled that the requirement of mandatory Marathi signboards did not contradict the Indian Constitution’s Article 14 provisions. “Marathi is Maharashtra’s native tongue, and a provision requiring mandatory Marathi signboards outside any shop or other location cannot be called discrimination,” the High Court said. The petitioners have been fined Rs 25,000/-, which will be placed in the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The announcement comes only days before the state’s Marathi Rajbhasha Din (Marathi Day) on February 27.
Signboards in Marathi are monarchs.
The MVA government in Maharashtra, led by the Shiv-Sena, enacted a rule in January 2021 that required conspicuous Marathi typography on signboards printed in Devanagari script outside all commercial businesses. Devendra Fadnavis’ government amended the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act in 2017. Small Marathi nameplates were placed against large English characters on the boards when the previous rule was applied.
Marathi letters must henceforth be the same size as those in other scripts, according to a new guideline. “The Maharashtra administration has decided that all shops shall have name boards in Marathi,” state industries minister Subhash Desai stated. This should be written in a large, legible typeface. In 2017, the decision was made to place Marathi name boards on storefronts. However, it was not being implemented on the ground. As a result, the Cabinet decided today to put it into action.”
Commercial interests had criticized the move, and it was claimed that the decision was made in the run-up to the state’s approaching Municipal Corporation elections. The move has been a long-standing desire of the Maharashtra Navanirman Sena, led by Raj Thackeray, and has been a prominent issue in the state’s Marathi politics.
Latest News
Nerul Bus Stops Shifted Ahead of Turbhe Flyover Demolition
NMMT moves stops by 50 metres as authorities prepare traffic arrangements for demolition work.
The Bus Stop
Commuters travelling through Nerul and Turbhe may soon see changes in traffic movement as authorities prepare to demolish the remaining sections of the Turbhe flyover. To minimise inconvenience to passengers, NMMT has shifted the bus stops at Nerul LP by around 50 metres in both directions.
The bus stop for passengers travelling towards Panvel has been moved about 50 metres ahead, while the stop on the Vashi-bound side has also been relocated by a similar distance. New poles have been installed at the revised locations. Drivers and conductors from NMMT’s Turbhe, Asudgaon and Ghansoli depots have been instructed to use the new stops for passenger pick-ups and drop-offs.
The changes come as officials prepare for the demolition of the remaining two sections of the Turbhe flyover. One of the three sections is already undergoing work, while the demolition of the other two could affect traffic between Thane and Vashi. Traffic officials and the Public Works Department are working on an alternative traffic plan, including possible diversions through the Nerul LP underpass. However, the final diversion route and demolition schedule have not yet been announced.
Officials said the remaining sections of the flyover need to be demolished due to structural deterioration. Permissions and other preparations are currently underway.
For regular commuters, the temporary bus-stop shift is expected to be an important change to note as authorities work on the larger traffic management plan.
Latest News
NMMC Pays Tribute to Gandhi and Shastri on Birth Anniversaries
Civic officials remember the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri at Belapur headquarters.
The Tribute
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries on October 2. A commemorative programme was held at the NMMC headquarters in Belapur, where NMMC Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat offered floral tributes to the portraits of both national leaders at the civic headquarters’ amphitheatre.
Senior NMMC officials were present during the programme, including Additional Municipal Commissioner Sunil Pawar, Chief Auditor Rajendra Gadekar, Deputy Commissioner of Property Tax Dr Amol Palve, Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Dr Ajay Gadde and Chief Sanitation Officer Rajusingh Chavan.
The occasion provided civic officials an opportunity to remember the lives and contributions of two prominent figures in India’s history. Mahatma Gandhi is widely remembered for his leadership in India’s freedom movement and his emphasis on truth, non-violence and cleanliness. Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, is remembered for his simple lifestyle, leadership and the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
The tribute programme also highlighted the continued relevance of their values in public life. For a civic body like NMMC, Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness and public responsibility remains particularly significant. Officials and staff gathered at the headquarters to mark the occasion and pay their respects to the two leaders. The programme concluded with floral tributes in their memory.
Latest News
CBD Belapur’s Sector 9 to Get New Open Gym
NMMC begins installing fitness equipment at the scenic CIDCO Nursery area following residents’ demand.
The Gym
Residents of CBD Belapur’s Sector 9 will soon have a new outdoor fitness facility close to their regular morning-walk route. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has started installing open gym equipment at the CIDCO Nursery hill area following a proposal raised by BJP corporator and Standing Committee member Swati Gurkhe.
The work was inaugurated in the presence of senior citizens, former corporator Ashok Gurkhe, Swati Gurkhe and several local residents. The CIDCO Nursery area is known for its greenery, trees and peaceful surroundings. Every morning, many residents visit the area for walking and exercise, making it a popular spot for health-conscious citizens. The new open gym is expected to give them an additional option to include basic strength and fitness exercises in their routine.
Swati Gurkhe said the proposal was made after residents requested better fitness facilities in the area. She said the civic administration has now started implementing the project and efforts will be made to provide good-quality equipment based on residents’ needs. She added that the facility could be expanded in the future if residents require additional equipment or improvements. Their suggestions will be considered while planning further work.
The initiative aims to make better use of the naturally green surroundings while encouraging residents, particularly senior citizens and regular walkers, to stay active and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
-
Fact Check6 years agoNidhi Razdan, fake Harvard professorship, and here is the explanation through her blog.
-
India4 years agoAs the arrangement with Prashant Kishor falls through Rahul Gandhi has gone overseas again and is uncontactable
-
Technology5 years agoBSNL reveals all new 4G plans starting at ₹16
-
Latest News5 years agoGovernment has spent ₹9,725 crores on Covid-19 vaccination drive so far
-
Latest News5 years agoTata wins Air India with ₹18,000 crore bid
-
Latest News5 years agoJharkhand government cuts Petrol price by massive ₹25 a litre but with a catch
-
Latest News5 years agoRaj Kundra Gave ₹25 Lakh Bribe to Mumbai Crime Branch to Avoid Arrest
-
Navi Mumbai5 years agoNavi Mumbai civic body raids and tests morning walkers, many found COVID positive
