Karnataka Assembly Passes Bill to Regulate Hoardings, Levy Ad Fees; Targets Unauthorised Ads

• The Karnataka Assembly passed the Karnataka Municipalities and Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to regulate outdoor advertisements.
• The Bill empowers municipal bodies to levy and collect advertisement fees on hoardings and billboards, with rates set by local bodies within state-prescribed limits.
• Written permission from municipal authorities is now mandatory for displaying advertisements; non-compliance will lead to denial or removal.
• Unauthorised advertisements will face penalties, fines, and an 18% annual interest on delayed payments, with recovery methods similar to property tax.
• Urban Development Minister B S Suresha stated the Bill aims to curb unauthorised hoardings, ensure revenue for local bodies, and expects hundreds of crores in revenue.