FIR Filed Over Unauthorised Posters of Minister Krishna Byre Gowda in Bengaluru

August 20, 2026

Bengaluru police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against an individual for allegedly putting up unauthorised posters featuring Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda across public infrastructure in the Vidyaranyapura area.

What Happened

The action was initiated by the Vidyaranyapura police following an official complaint lodged by Govindappa Bajanthri, a 53-year-old Assistant Executive Engineer with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Vidyaranyapura Sub-Divisional Office. According to the complaint, civic authorities discovered the unauthorised posters displayed across public walls and roadways within Ward 10, Vidyaranyapura, during a field inspection conducted between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on a Wednesday.

The police subsequently booked an individual identified as Shivakumar under Sections 3 and 6 of the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda confirmed the legal action, stating that authorities registered the case under the act after posters bearing his image were found put up without prior official permission.

Additionally, Shivakumar and others face a separate FIR registered by the Kodigehalli police. That case stems from a complaint lodged by Varun, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Jakkur Sub-Division, who noted during an inspection on August 14 that unauthorised advertising structures had been erected without permission at the Railway Underpass in Sahakara Nagar.

Key Highlights

The Vidyaranyapura police registered an FIR against Shivakumar under Sections 3 and 6 of the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981.
The case originated from an inspection by GBA civic officials in Ward 10, Vidyaranyapura, between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on a Wednesday.
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda confirmed that police took action after unapproved posters bearing his photograph were identified.
A second FIR was registered by the Kodigehalli police against Shivakumar and others for setting up unauthorized advertising structures at the Sahakara Nagar Railway Underpass, noticed during an August 14 inspection.
Civic officials emphasized that illegal posters disfigure public spaces and necessitate removal operations by municipal staff.

Why This Matters

Civic officials noted in their complaint that unauthorised poster installations disfigure public property and create an operational burden, requiring corporation workers to organize and conduct removal drives to clean the affected walls and roads.

What to Watch Next

Legal proceedings under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981, are underway across the Vidyaranyapura and Kodigehalli police jurisdictions regarding the unauthorised posters and structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who filed the complaint regarding the posters in Vidyaranyapura?

The complaint was filed by Govindappa Bajanthri, a 53-year-old Assistant Executive Engineer from the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s Vidyaranyapura Sub-Divisional Office.

What legal sections have been applied?

Shivakumar was booked under Sections 3 and 6 of the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981.

Did Minister Krishna Byre Gowda comment on the incident?

Yes, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda confirmed that police registered the case under the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1981, after posters featuring his photo were displayed without authorization.

Are there other related complaints?

Yes, Kodigehalli police also registered an FIR against Shivakumar and others following an inspection on August 14 by Jakkur Sub-Division Assistant Executive Engineer Varun regarding unauthorised advertising structures at the Sahakara Nagar Railway Underpass.

Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.