MAM
MCGM to Bombay high court: Can’t waive licence fee for Mumbai’s OOH owners
MUMBAI: On 19 June, in an unexpected turn of events, the municipal corporation of greater Mumbai (MCGM) refused to waive off the licence fees even if the hoardings in Mumbai are advertising civic messages.
The bench dealt with a number of petitions filed by advertising agencies, holding licences for hoarding sites in Mumbai. The hoarding owners were seeking waiving of the licence fees. The licence holders claimed that they are not using their hoarding sites since March due to the outbreak of Covid2019 and they have been only advertising civic messages.
"There is no provision in any statute, rule, policy or license condition that contemplates that if the licence holders are unable to display the advertisement for any reason whatsoever, they will be entitled to waiver of licence fees. They have failed to make out any constitutional or legal right for such waiver of the license fees," the MCGM said in an affidavit.
"Our guidelines specifically contemplate that it is mandatory on part of the agency to display a civic message as and when directed by us for a period of 15 days in a year for which no fees will be payable," the affidavit read.
The civic body mentioned that it had sent notices to a number of agencies to put messages to spread awareness about the disease in March.
Clarifying in the affidavit, MCGM said, “Hoardings were required to be displayed for a period of 10 days only and there was no need to give any fresh notice or letter for removal of the same. The agencies are intentionally misreading our notice. The notice does not contemplate that any further instructions would be issued for removing the hoardings.”
The civic body also revealed that it had waived licence fees for the month of April of Rs 7.49 crore and that the civic body itself went through a loss of nearly Rs 70 lakh.
"The commercial arrangements between the private advertisers and the licencees are not within our scope and ambit. We are in no way responsible for any such breakdown in the commercial relationship of the licencees and the same cannot be a ground for a grant of a waiver of licence fees without any legal or the statutory basis for the same," the MCGM said while urging the bench to dismiss the plea.
The eight Mumbai OOH owners who filed the petition in the Bombay HC for waiver of licence fees are — Creation Publicity Pvt Ltd, Bright Advertising Pvt Ltd, Orion Advertisers, Anurag Sites, Em Vee Advertising Company, Pingle Outdoor, Yoag Advertisers and Pioneer Publicity Corporation Ltd.
The firms have been asked to submit replies in writing, by 26 June.
Brands
Hyundai Motor India rolls out nationwide AC check-up camp from April 10
Limited-period service drive offers discounts, free checks to beat summer heat
GURUGRAM: Hyundai Motor India Limited has announced a nationwide AC check-up camp, rolling out from April 10 to April 18, as temperatures climb and car cabins begin to feel the heat.
The initiative is designed to keep vehicles cool and customers comfortable, offering a mix of free inspections, discounted services and value-added benefits across Hyundai’s extensive service network in India.
As part of the limited-period campaign, customers can avail a complimentary 30-point vehicle check-up along with a free dry wash. The company is also offering a 15 per cent discount on AC servicing, including gas refills, and similar savings on wheel alignment and balancing. Key AC components such as compressors, condensers and cooling coils will be available at a 10 per cent discount, while value-added services like AC disinfectant treatments and plastic restoration also come with reduced pricing.
The camp will be hosted across authorised Hyundai workshops nationwide, allowing customers easy access to trained technicians, genuine parts and diagnostic support without the usual hassle.
Speaking on the initiative, Hyundai Motor India Limited national service head Nilesh Shah said, “At HMIL, customer satisfaction and convenience remain at the core of our service philosophy. With the onset of summer, we are pleased to introduce our nationwide AC check-up camp to ensure that our customers enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free driving experience. This initiative reflects our commitment to delivering proactive care and enhancing vehicle performance through our strong service network across India.”
With mercury levels on the rise, Hyundai’s timely service push aims to ensure drivers stay cool behind the wheel while also nudging them towards preventive maintenance, a small check today that could save a larger repair tomorrow.
