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Mumbai deputy mayor warns of 'Shiv Sena-style' action to enforce Marathi signboards in shops and hotels
Mumbai's deputy mayor warned of a 'Shiv Sena-style' response to establishments failing to display Marathi signboards, as BMC continues a long-running drive to enforce Devanagari Marathi signage. The article provides figures on notices, prosecutions, penalties, and compliance, and outlines steps for intensified enforcement.
Why It Matters
The move sustains government and municipal efforts to enforce a language signage rule affecting businesses across Mumbai, signaling potential stricter action on non-compliant establishments, including high-profile ones.
Timeline
7 Events
Enforcement against large and high-profile entities emphasized
May 14, 2026
Officials said enforcement against five-star hotels and major corporate offices would send a strong message and encourage smaller establishments to comply.
Administration instructed to issue notices and list non-compliant establishments
May 14, 2026
BMC law committee chairperson Diksha Karkar said officials had been instructed to issue notices to establishments that had not yet received them, prepare a list of non-compliant establishments, submit an action-taken report within 15 days, and initiate further action after a one-month deadline.
Inspections and compliance status reported by BMC
May 14, 2026
BMC officials have inspected nearly 1.58 million establishments; about 1.53 million complied with the directive, while 5,020 establishments failed to install Marathi signboards despite notices.
Prosecutions and penalties for non-compliance
May 14, 2026
3,114 establishments have been prosecuted for non-compliance, and penalties amounting to ₹191.48 lakh have been collected.
Notices issued to establishments to install Marathi signboards
May 14, 2026
BMC has issued notices to 3,774 establishments directing them to install Marathi signboards.
Deputy Mayor Ghadi warns of 'Shiv Sena-style' action against violators
May 14, 2026
Sanjay Ghadi, Mumbai deputy mayor, after a meeting with officials of BMC’s shops and establishments department, said Marathi signboards in Devanagari script are mandatory and that strict action would be taken against violators. He warned of a 'Shiv Sena-style' action if establishments fail to comply, and noted inspections would check compliance.
Enforcement drive begins in Mumbai after government order
November 2023
The enforcement drive to ensure Marathi signboards in Devanagari script began in Mumbai in November 2023 after a Maharashtra government order mandating Marathi signboards came into force.