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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a one-month deadline for shops, hotels, commercial establishments and offices across Mumbai to install Marathi signboards prominently outside their premises.
According to civic officials, establishments that fail to comply within the deadline could face penalties and further action under existing regulations.
The directive follows repeated instructions from the Maharashtra government and renewed focus on ensuring Marathi is visibly represented in public and commercial spaces across the state.
What The New Rule Says
Under the order, all business establishments must display their names in Marathi using the Devanagari script.
Officials said Marathi lettering should be clearly visible and larger or equally prominent
compared to signboards in other languages.
The rule applies to:
- Shops
- Restaurants and hotels
- Corporate offices
- Commercial establishments
- Retail outlets
The BMC said inspections and enforcement drives will begin after the deadline expires.
Why The Move Was Made
Authorities said the measure is aimed at promoting Marathi language identity and ensuring compliance with long-standing state regulations regarding local language signage.
The issue has frequently sparked political debate in Maharashtra, with regional parties repeatedly demanding stricter implementation of Marathi signboard rules.
The Maharashtra government had earlier directed civic bodies to ensure that all establishments prominently display Marathi names.
Penalties Possible For Non-Compliance
Civic officials warned that businesses ignoring the order could face fines or legal action under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act and related municipal regulations.
The BMC has also asked ward-level officers to monitor implementation in their respective areas.
The move is expected to impact thousands of businesses across Mumbai over the coming weeks.
