The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has passed the Karnataka Municipalities and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026, enabling urban local bodies (ULBs) to regulate advertisements and levy fees more effectively. The move is aimed at addressing the growing issue of unauthorised hoardings while strengthening revenue collection for civic bodies.
The amendment updates provisions under the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964 and the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, formalising advertisement fee structures. According to Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, several advertisers have historically evaded payments, leading to significant revenue losses for ULBs.
The decision comes amid rising concerns over the unchecked spread of banners and hoardings across cities. Lawmakers highlighted issues such as traffic disruptions, obstruction of public spaces and safety risks caused by poorly installed or illegal structures. Instances of hoardings collapsing during adverse weather conditions have also raised serious public safety concerns.
Several MLAs raised questions around enforcement, particularly regarding political banners, which are often displayed without proper permissions or payments. Concerns were also voiced about advertisements on private buildings, public infrastructure and high-power installations without adequate regulation.
In response, the government has assured that detailed rules will be framed to ensure effective implementation without inconveniencing the public. Authorities also plan to introduce transparent tendering processes for advertisement rights and deploy technology such as drone surveys and artificial intelligence to map hoardings and improve compliance and fee collection.
Alongside this, the Assembly also passed the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Bill, 2026, empowering the Police Establishment Board to expedite transfers in cases involving misconduct or negligence.
The legislation marks a step towards better urban governance, improved safety and stronger revenue frameworks for local bodies.
