Sign language: 2 more months to make Marathi biggest,boldest

Under Section 52 of the Bombay Shops and Establishments Act,1948,non-implementation of the rule will entail a fine between Rs 1000 and Rs 5,000.

The Federation of Retail Traders and Welfare Association (FRTWA) had filed a petition against the government in 2001,challenging an effort to make Marathi names compulsorily the boldest. Civic officials said the case was disposed of in February but they held back implementation till after the elections.

FRTWA president Viren Shah,however,said the case is still pending in the High Court and there is a stay on display of boards in bold Marathi font. “The HC has disposed of the notice of motion filed by FRTWA against the MNS for threatening and harassing shopkeepers. The MNS wanted names in bold Marathi,even when there was a stay on the matter since 2001. The BMC is reading the order wrong; that is contempt of court as the case is still pending,” Shah said.

Vasant Gosavi,chief inspector,shops and establishments,insisted that the administration action is right. “Most shops have signboards in bold Marathi font and the rest will have to follow. We will take action after the 60-day deadline,” he said.