In May 2025, Karnataka cricket association's ignored civic officials' warning on illegal advertisements

Time of India

08-06-2025

Bengaluru: In a development that raises serious questions about Karnataka State Cricket Association's (KSCA) compliance and accountability, it has now emerged that BBMP had issued it a formal notice as early as May 13, 2025, warning against the unauthorised installation of LED advertisement boards inside M Chinnaswamy Stadium — nearly three weeks before the tragic RCB victory celebration stampede that killed 11 and injured scores more.
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The civic body's notice cited Section 158 of BBMP Act, 2020, and the BBMP Outdoor Signage and Public Messaging Bylaws, 2018, both of which mandate prior written permission from the chief commissioner before displaying any advertisement in the city. The act clearly prohibits commercial advertisements without approval, and such violations are punishable with up to one year imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 2 lakh.
"Installation of LED displays without permission is considered unauthorised and a violation of the law. If not removed within seven days, BBMP will take action, and KSCA will be liable to pay removal charges and penalties. A criminal case may also be initiated," said Munish Moudgil, special commissioner (revenue), BBMP.
Despite the clear warning, KSCA took no action to remove the illegal LED displays, which were used again during the high-profile RCB event on June 2.
The LED boards allegedly contributed to crowd congestion and blocked visibility near key exits, aggravating panic during the stampede, another official said.
According to the senior civic official, KSCA was explicitly directed to remove the displays within seven days of receiving the May 13 notice, failing which the civic body would undertake their removal and recover costs along with penalties. The notice also warned of criminal prosecution under Sections 326 and 329 of the BBMP Act.
"This was a preventable tragedy," said the BBMP official. "If KSCA had complied with the notice, crowd movement might have been smoother, and we might not be mourning the loss of 11 lives today."