The Government of Himachal Pradesh on March 12, 2026, issued the Municipal Council Santokhgarh Outdoor Advertisement Bye-laws 2026.
The key provisions are as stated:
Advertisement Permission & General Rules:
No advertisement can be displayed in the city without prior written permission from the Executive Officer, except for limited cases like newspaper ads, election-related notices, on-premise business ads, property sale notices, and government-related advertisements.
Restrictions on Hoardings & Placement:
Advertisements are strictly prohibited on highways, footpaths, trees, water sources, sharp turns, and environmentally sensitive areas. Size limits apply (maximum 30 sq. m.), and unauthorized placement on roofs or public spaces is restricted. Only small signboards (up to 4 sq. m.) are allowed on premises. The council may provide designated spaces for posters.
Road Safety & Hazard Control:
Advertisements must not distract drivers, block visibility, imitate traffic signs, or create hazards. They should not interfere with traffic control devices or be placed in high-risk zones like intersections or blind turns. All hoardings must display the agency’s name.
Lighting & Design Regulations:
Flashing lights, moving displays, and bright or upward lighting are prohibited. Illumination must be controlled, non-distracting, and reduced at night. Structures must be safe, non-reflective, and designed as per engineering standards.
Content Restrictions (Negative Advertisements):
Ads promoting nudity, violence, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, exploitation, obscenity, or illegal products are banned. Content that is defamatory, discriminatory, misleading, or against national dignity is also prohibited.
Prohibited Areas & Classification:
Authorities can ban or regulate ads in certain areas through zoning plans. Advertisements are categorized into large hoardings, public utility ads, transport-related ads, and self-advertising devices.
Structural & Electrical Safety:
All advertisement structures must meet safety standards for wind, earthquakes, etc., and be certified by engineers. Electrical setups must follow safety norms, and polluting generators are not allowed. Renewable energy use gets fee concessions.
Permission, Fees & Application Process:
Applications must include NOCs, plans, and structural certificates. Approval should be granted within 30 days, failing which it is deemed approved. Fees depend on size, category, and duration, and must be paid in advance.
Tender & Licensing Rules:
Large advertisements on municipal property are allotted through tenders, usually for 3 years. The council sets terms like location, size, and reserve price.
Penalties, Removal & Liability:
Violations attract daily fines up to ₹10,000. Illegal hoardings can be removed after notice (or immediately if dangerous). Advertisers are liable for damages and must indemnify the authority.
Dispute Resolution & Appeals:
Disputes go to the Deputy Commissioner as arbitrator, and appeals can be made to the Director of Urban Development after review. Court jurisdiction lies in Santokhgarh.
Other Key Points:
Insurance is mandatory for large ads, illegal ads will be removed at the advertiser’s cost, and any court judgment will override these bye-laws. Upon removal, the site must be restored to its original condition.
These Bye-laws shall come into force with immediate effect within the limits of Santokhgarh Municipal Council after the notification by the Government of Himachal Pradesh in the official gazette.
[Notification No. MCS/Advertisement-byelaws/2026-1937]
