A public interest litigation (PIL) before the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has raised serious allegations against a cluster of food establishments operating along a dark and bushy stretch from East Shankar Nagar to Bajaj Nagar Square. The petition claims that these establishments are permitting liquor consumption without required permissions and running operations well beyond stipulated hours, describing it as a sustained administrative failure.
Details of the Petition
Filed recently by two senior citizens and a doctor, the PIL alleges that customers are being served liquor without permission, and operations continue beyond midnight till 3 am in gross violation of norms. The area also witnesses heavy vehicular congestion late into the night, causing significant disruption.
Court's Observations
Taking note of the allegations, a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode on Monday flagged concerns over illegal constructions and enforcement gaps, particularly along a nullah running through the stretch. The court observed that water flow cannot be obstructed under any circumstances, after being informed that eateries had built makeshift bridges over the channel.
Senior counsel Akshay Naik, appearing for the petitioners Dr. Lalit Harode, Aseem Baodia, and Murdula Phadke, submitted that several establishments had illegally constructed bridges on a nullah flowing on the backside. He added that these eateries use the bridge to allow customers to escape during enforcement action. The petition also points to encroachments on land belonging to Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), where commercial activity is restricted. The plea states that the entire encroachment on PDKV land must be cleared, calling for removal of illegal structures and construction of a retention wall to prevent further misuse of the nullah.
Allegations and Response
The petition underscores a pattern of alleged violations including unlicensed liquor consumption, late-night operations, noise pollution, and traffic disruption. It accuses both police and civic authorities of failing to act despite repeated complaints. The bench allowed an amendment to include the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) as a respondent, signaling closer scrutiny of civic accountability and enforcement mechanisms in the hearings ahead.
The establishments are accused of violating provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951 and the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949.
Key Takeaways
- PIL alleges illegal liquor consumption without permits in the heart of Nagpur.
- Claims operations continue till 3 am in violation of norms.
- Petition filed by two senior citizens and a doctor.
- High Court flags illegal constructions over a nullah.
- Observes water flow cannot be obstructed under any circumstances.
- Eateries accused of using bridges to evade enforcement.
- Encroachments on PDKV land meant for restricted use.
- Allegations include noise pollution and late-night congestion.
- Claims inaction by police and civic authorities despite complaints.
- Court adds NMC as respondent, signals scrutiny of enforcement gaps.
