Banners and signboards for Hindu festivals and political events remain untouched across Mumbai without similar action or accountability
MUMBAI/NEW DELHI – Tension rose in Malvani, a residential locality in Mumbai’s Malad West, after police removed several ‘I Love Muhammad’ banners from Shaheed Abdul Hameed Road and nearby areas, warning locals of legal action if banners were put up again without permission.
The move angered Muslim residents, who accused the authorities of applying rules selectively. They argued that while banners celebrating Hindu festivals such as Navratri and Diwali, as well as political hoardings, often appear across Mumbai without permission, the police rarely intervene in such cases.
“Is the law only for Muslims?” asked Adil Sheikh, one of the youths who had put up the banners. “If our hoardings are taken down, then remove those of political parties and Navratri or Diwali greetings too. Why are the rules different for us?”
Senior Inspector Shailendra Nagarkar of Malvani Police confirmed the action. “Many banners and hoardings of ‘I Love Muhammad’ have been removed because permission was not taken,” he said.
According to regulations, permission to display banners must be sought from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). If banners touch on religious or sensitive matters, police clearance is also required, while the Regional Transport Office (RTO) must approve banners near traffic signals.
The banners, some of which displayed the photograph of local social worker Muhammad Jamil Merchant, had been put up by local youths who said they had already petitioned the BMC for permission. They insisted that their efforts were within the law.
“We had submitted a petition to the BMC and even showed it to the police,” said Salman Khan, another youth involved in the campaign. “Despite that, they threatened action against us. Is it a crime to say we love Prophet Muhammad?”
Clarion India spoke to some residents who requested anonymity. They confirmed the police had removed the hoardings and warned those responsible. However, they also pointed out that similar hoardings in private plots remain untouched after youths resisted their removal.
The removal has left many Muslims questioning whether civic and police authorities apply equal standards across communities.
“No one dares to touch hoardings for Hindu festivals, even when they are all over the city without permission,” said Feroz Sheikh. “But when Muslims put up peaceful banners, the police rush to remove them. This is discrimination.”
Local resident Farid Khan added: “We are not against any festival greetings or political banners. But why target us alone? Equal treatment is all we are asking for.”
When asked whether police check permissions for festival and political banners, officials declined to comment. The silence has only fuelled suspicions that Muslims in Malvani are being unfairly singled out.
