Unauthorized Posters Lead to Three FIRs in Bengaluru

Three FIRs were filed over unauthorized posters.

Krishna Byre Gowda supported action against illegal posters.

Public walls were allegedly used without permission.

Three FIRs have been registered in Bengaluru over posters carrying the name and image of Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, after they were allegedly put up on public walls without prior permission.

The cases were registered after officials complained that posters had been placed along public roads and walls within the ministers constituency on August 19. The action has drawn attention because the posters reportedly carried the ministers name, while the minister himself has responded positively to the decision to take legal action.

Officials said the posters were installed without approval from the Greater Bengaluru Authority. According to the complaints, such unauthorized material can affect the appearance of public spaces and creates additional work for civic staff, who have to remove it.

The cases were registered in the jurisdiction of Vidyaranyapura and Kodigehalli police stations. Greater Bengaluru Authority officials have invoked provisions of the Karnataka Open Places Prevention of Disfigurement Act, 1981.

The matter has also sparked discussion over whether political or public figures should be treated differently when their posters are displayed without authorization. In this case, the action was taken even though the posters were associated with a serving minister.

Officials have maintained that permission is required before using public walls or spaces for posters. The complaints also stated that the material was put up to provide information to residents, but the lack of official approval resulted in legal action.

The incident has once again brought attention to the wider issue of unauthorized posters and wall advertisements across Bengaluru. Civic authorities frequently face the challenge of removing such material from public infrastructure.

The registration of the FIRs sends a clear message that restrictions on using public spaces apply regardless of whose name or image appears on the posters. Further action in the cases will depend on the police investigation.