What was set to be a celebratory week for fans of Kannada superstar Yash has taken a legal turn. Bengaluru High Grounds Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the KGF star and a publicity firm, Venu Creations, for putting up illegal signage, banners, and flex boards in a location identified in a high-profile area in the city. The actor is said to live near the Golf Club in central Bengaluru. In anticipation of the actor's birthday, the surrounding streets were reportedly filled with huge flex boards, posters, and banners applauding the "Rocking Star." The city officials were immediately moved to act, however, as the installations were installed sans the necessary civic permissions.
Legal Action: High Grounds Police Case
The FIR was registered based on a formal complaint lodged by officials of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city’s civic body. Police sources said the banners were in breach of the Karnataka Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act and existing BBMP guidelines that prohibit the erection of illegal flexes on public roads and footpaths.
- Accused No. 1: Venu Creations (The company that does the installations).
- Accused No. 2: actor Yash (as the beneficiary of the unauthorized publicity, cited in FIR).
The High Grounds Police Station is investigating the issue because they have jurisdiction over the Golf Club Road area. Although fans rejoice over their icons' birthdays with such displays, Bengaluru police have been on high alert to prevent visual clutter and dangers of massive metal frames on public thoroughfares.
A History of Caution
This legal action is made exactly two years after a devastating incident in Gadag (January 2024), where three of the actor’s fans were electrocuted to death attempting to build a giant 25-foot birthday banner. After that tragedy, Yash personally asked his supporters to avoid lavish and risky displays of affection. The actor had told the media outright that: "I never liked people installing massive hoardings of me… My only thought is they should be watching their lives and not going berserk." Still, the recent episode in Bengaluru indicates that fan enthusiasm and agencies that promote it continues to rub up against civic regulations.
What Happens Next?
According to the laws of the present day, the parties involved will be liable to either fines or a brief prison term if guilty, but most such cases can be resolved by removing the hoardings and a penalty being paid to the civic body. Yet FIR’s reference to the actor’s name complicates proceedings further. Venu Creations officials have not sent an official statement on the issue of permits. At the same time, fan organizations and advertising bodies in Bengaluru have said strong penalties will be imposed for any person who disrupts the city with unauthorized advertisements, even to a celebrity.
