Illegal Hawkers To Be Evicted Off The Streets Of Mumbai? Bombay High Court Censures Mumbai Police, State Govt And BMC

The Bombay High Court has severely criticised the Maharashtra government, Mumbai Police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation or the BMC over the city’s pervasive hawker problem. During a hearing of a suo motu PIL and related petitions, the division bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Kamal Khata expressed grave concern about illegal hawkers occupying every lane and shopping area in Mumbai, making pedestrian movement difficult. Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about this.

Bombay High Court Censures BMC, Mumbai Police, State Govt

According to an article which was recently published by LiveLaw, the court’s stern observations came after the Government Pleader, Purnima Kantharia. She suggested that police personnel couldn’t verify hawker licences during their duties.

The judges firmly rejected this stance, emphasising that officers should be empowered to check licences and take action against unauthorised vendors. The bench stressed the importance of the permanent removal of illegal hawkers. It also directed the BMC and Mumbai Police to work collaboratively.

They dismissed the state’s expression of helplessness, suggesting the deployment of additional police from reserve forces if necessary. The court particularly highlighted concerns about hawkers returning to their spots even after eviction, indicating systemic issues in enforcement.

The case also brought attention to specific challenges in popular areas like the Colaba Causeway market, frequented by foreign tourists. Here, even licensed hawkers have reportedly exceeded their allocated spaces, leading to overcrowding and security concerns, including incidents of pick-pocketing.

Also Read: I Should Buy All His Pineapples And Shove It Up His A**: German Vlogger Rants About Street Hawkers; Netizens School Him

Will Illegal Hawkers Be Evicted Permanently Soon Now?

Senior counsel Mihir Desai, representing hawkers’ associations, proposed that the formation of a Town Vending Committee could help resolve the illegal hawking issue by identifying eligible vendors. The court has scheduled detailed submissions from hawkers’ associations for December 12.

As an interim measure, the bench has ordered the BMC and Mumbai Police to maintain strict surveillance at 20 key locations across Mumbai, including major transit hubs and commercial areas, as part of a pilot project.

These sites encompass crucial areas from CSMT to the High Court, various railway stations, and popular shopping districts like Linking Road and Hill Road.

Also Read: New Scam Alert! Amidst Soaring Prices, Vendors Are Selling Fake Garlic Made From Cement In Maharashtra’s Akola

How else do you think the problem of illegal hawking can be resolved? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

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