Court raps BMC for inaction on hawkers

The Bombay High Court on Friday reprimanded the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for not taking stringent action against hawkers outside the colleges managed by the Vile Parle Kevalani Mandal (VPKM) in Juhu.

A division bench comprising justice PB Majmudar and justice MR Bhatkar blamed the civic body for forcing citizens to accustom themselves to filth around them. It demanded an explanation on how encroachers were able to sell their wares on that no-hawking zone despite the BMC's claims of having taken action against them.

"It is unfortunate that the civic body, which is a statutory body and whose duty is to ensure better facilities for citizens, is showing helplessness. If the BMC does not take appropriate steps and a satisfactory reply by the ward officer concerned is not filed on the next date, we will summon the municipal commissioner," said the bench.

The judges went on to admire the citizens for their patience. "The people of this city should be complimented and rewarded for being so patient. The civic body should not test their patience beyond limit and take them for a ride."

The court asked the BMC to call for public partnership in preserving footpaths.

"Install benches. The municipal commissioner should verify how footpaths are kept in other countries. We want the commissioner to study them. The corporation should also ask resourceful persons for help.