Mumbai: Expressing anger in strong words, the High Court criticized the state government’s methods, stating that if you are not going to implement the court’s orders, then lock up the offices of those authorities; otherwise, shut down the courts. The bench comprising Justice Mahesh Sonak and Justice Kamal Khata expressed its frustration regarding the issue of street vendors illegally encroaching in the city and suburbs during the hearing.
The High Court, taking serious note of the problems faced by street vendors in Mumbai city and suburbs, had filed a suo motu public interest petition last year. The hearing related to that petition was held before the bench of Justice Mahesh Sonak and Justice Kamal Khata.
During the last hearing, the bench had directed the municipal corporation and police to file affidavits regarding action taken against unauthorized street vendors. However, when senior lawyer Adv. Anil Singh, representing the corporation, and government lawyer Purnima Kantharia from the police sought more time, the bench expressed anger.
“The issue of unauthorized street vendors is serious. Not even the effort to submit an affidavit has been made after the court’s order. The entire administrative system of the state is in disarray; it is complete chaos. We will not tolerate such behavior. Why is no action being taken against street vendors who have encroached and settled on the streets?” the court noted.
