BMC Intensifies Marathi Signboard Inspections

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to intensify its campaign to enforce the use of Marathi on shop signboards across Mumbai. This move comes after the civic body resumed enforcement against establishments without Marathi signboards in June.

In the first phase, which took place between May 14 and June 4, 2026, the BMC inspected 36,773 establishments and found 1,124 cases of violation. Court proceedings were initiated against 638 establishments, and 343 establishments sought to settle the violations by paying fines totalling Rs 12.23 lakh.

The BMC has now planned to reinspect markets, shops, and establishments along key roads such as S.V. Road, L.B.S. Road, Link Road, and both sides of the Eastern and Western Express Highways. Establishments in each ward found violating the rules in the previous phase will be subjected to stringent legal action, with the action publicised.

The state government had amended the 2017 Act in January 2022, making it mandatory for establishments with fewer than 10 employees to display signboards in Marathi as well, with the Marathi lettering in the same font size as other languages. The Supreme Court’s deadline for shops and establishments to install Marathi signboards in Devanagari script had expired on November 25, 2023.

Mumbai has around five lakh shops and establishments, and those continuing to violate the rule can face a penalty of Rs 2,000 per day. The BMC's decision to intensify enforcement is aimed at ensuring that all establishments comply with the Marathi signage rules.

The civic body's campaign to enforce Marathi on shop signboards is part of a larger effort to promote the use of the language in the city. The BMC has been working to ensure that all establishments, including shops, malls, and commercial establishments, display signboards in Marathi.

The use of Marathi on shop signboards is seen as an important aspect of the city's cultural identity, and the BMC's efforts to enforce the rule are aimed at preserving and promoting this identity.

In conclusion, the BMC's decision to intensify inspections of shops, malls, and commercial establishments is a significant step towards ensuring that all establishments comply with the Marathi signage rules. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the city's cultural identity and promote the use of the Marathi language.