Pune: PMC Issued Rs 3.2 Crore Penalty Notice To Tarnish My Image – Punit Balan
Pune, 26th October 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has served a notice to Punit Balan, the head of the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust and Oxyrich company, following accusations of erecting unauthorized structures, boards, banners, and flex during the Dahi Handi festival. The notice imposes a penalty of Rs 3.2 crore.
Madhav Jagtap, Chief of PMC’s Encroachment Department and Deputy Commissioner, previously issued the notice to Balan, seeking clarification on the alleged violations. In response, Balan has contested the notice, claiming it to be illegal and inaccurate. He accuses Jagtap of damaging his reputation without conducting a proper investigation.
Protests ensued outside the PMC’s main entrance by members of various Ganesh Mandals, demanding the withdrawal of the notice. In response to the public outcry, the PMC temporarily suspended action on the notice.
Balan’s response points to a potential misunderstanding, suggesting that the PMC’s role in the matter needs further scrutiny. He contends that the notice fails to consider the broader context of public festivals and associated policies. Balan highlighted a decision made until September 14, allowing public festivals without permission fees for erecting structures during Dahi Handi and Ganesh festivals from 2019 onwards. Additionally, fees for welcome arches and running stages were waived.
Balan emphasizes that the Pune Police Department, in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation, granted free permits for events related to Moharram, Dahi Handi, and Ganesh festivals for the period from 2022 to 2027. This indicates the absence of charges for these events during this timeframe.
Balan urged the cancellation of the notice, citing its lack of legal basis and factual accuracy.
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