Overview
- A bench of Justices Ajey S. Gadkari and Kamal R. Khata, hearing the case on Wednesday, faulted officials for failing to keep pavements clear near Goregaon station and other busy areas.
- The court ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to file an affidavit detailing recent actions and a clear plan before a follow-up hearing on April 21.
- Public prosecutor Poornima Kantharia said police assist removals when the BMC requests but have no legal power to detain street vendors.
- The Goregaon Merchants Association’s petition, representing about 1,200 shopkeepers, details blocked entrances, lost business, and harassment, including a reported attack on an elderly resident.
- Amicus curiae Jamshed Mistry cited prior court orders and widespread hawking outside station exits, noting commuter safety concerns highlighted since the 2017 Prabhadevi stampede.