BMC announces double property tax for shops without Marathi signboards

Property Tax on shops and establishments

On Monday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that it would levy double property tax on shops and establishments without display signboards written in Marathi or Devanagari script from May 1st, this year.

The BMC announced additionally that it would cancel the license of all the illuminated or glow sign boards that do not contain the Marathi language and Devanagari script, also forfeiting the security deposits. Acquiring the license would normally cost from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 1.5 Lakhs. BMC has also issued legal notices to nearly 3,040 shops until now, for failing to erect Marathi language signboards. The Court heard 177 cases that were collectively imposed with the penalty of Rs. 13.92 Lakhs while the civic body heard the cases of 343 who were fined Rs. 32 Lakh.

BMC clamped down on establishments for the same starting November 28, 2023, by carrying out inspections and issuing prosecution notices to such entities. These actions are rooted in the state government resolution which had been passed unanimously in the Legislative Assembly in February 2022, where the BMC would take action for the violation of SC’s Rule 35 and Section 36 C of Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2018 and Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Act 2022.

“The Supreme Court had given two months for displaying Marathi language or Devanagari script on signboards in shops and establishments before the November 23, 2023, deadline. Thereafter, the civic body launched a drive to check for compliance from November 28, 2023,” the release further stated. A total of 87,047 shops and establishments were scrutinized between November 28, 2023, and March 31, 2024, of which 96.5% were found compliant.

Property tax to the tune of Rs. 3,196 crore

Property tax to the tune of Rs 3,196 crore has been collected by BMC during 2023-24. “The BMC has issued legal notices to 3,040 shops and establishments for not displaying sign boards in the Marathi language or Devanagari script. Some cases, in which notices have been issued, are being heard in court, while others appear for hearing before the Deputy Commissioner (Special) for administrative method of settling the case as per the provision in the Act,” it said.

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