Mumbai Leaders Push for Strict Action Against Shops Missing Marathi Signboards
The debate around Marathi signboards in Mumbai has resurfaced, with several corporators urging the civic administration to take immediate action against businesses that are not displaying names in Marathi. The matter was discussed during a recent meeting of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), where members questioned why many establishments are still ignoring the rules despite clear directions from the Supreme Court.
Corporators claimed that several shops, restaurants, hotels, malls, and even celebrity-owned businesses across Mumbai continue to use only English signboards. They stressed that Marathi, being the official language of Maharashtra, should be given equal importance on commercial display boards.
As per the rules, every establishment must display its name in Marathi using the Devanagari script, and the Marathi text should be in a font size equal to or bigger than the English lettering. Civic members said that many businesses are openly violating these norms while authorities have failed to take strict action.
During the meeting, corporators demanded city-wide inspections and penalties against establishments that do not follow the signboard guidelines. Some members also accused the administration of being too lenient and delaying enforcement despite repeated complaints.
The issue of Marathi signboards has long been tied to Maharashtra’s cultural identity and language pride. With the matter once again gaining political attention, civic authorities may soon begin stricter checks across commercial areas in Mumbai.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
