The Supreme Court has directed retailers in Mumbai to display Marathi signboards within two months to coincide with the upcoming festive season, potentially boosting their sales. The directive comes after retailers contested the Maharashtra government’s requirement for all businesses in the state to showcase Marathi signboards.
The appeal was presented by the Federation of Retail Traders (FRT) Welfare Association, disputing the Bombay High Court’s February 2022 ruling, which not only upheld the state’s decision but also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the petitioners, with instructions to deposit the amount in the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The High Court justified the state’s decision, deeming it a “reasonable requirement” that still allows the use of other languages. It further emphasized the pursuit of a “public purpose” with this rule. While acknowledging Marathi as the state language, the bench recognized its rich cultural heritage and extensive usage in various fields.
Under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, Marathi was mandated for signboards, with specific font requirements. However, businesses with fewer than 10 employees were exempt. Non-compliance could lead to hefty penalties.
“Comply with the rules. Karnataka also has the same (rule)…. What is the fundamental right violation? Now is the time to have Marathi signboards, ahead of Diwali, Dussehra. You are in Maharashtra, you do not know the benefit of having Marathi signboards? New signboards can be made part of your business expenditure. If we send you to the (Bombay) High Court, you will be charged heavy costs.”
In response to the challenge in the Supreme Court, Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that the expenses for new signboards could be considered a business investment. They encouraged compliance with the rules, emphasizing the advantages of using Marathi signboards in Maharashtra. The Supreme Court granted a two-month extension for retailers to implement Marathi signboards, ensuring they can capitalize on the festive season. In earlier proceedings, the court urged the Association to prioritize investing in signboards over litigation and refrain from framing the issue as “jingoism” or “xenophobia.”
