Pedestrian pathways not for bunk shops, Corpn told

A division bench comprising Justice M Satyanarayanan and Justice R Hemalatha, before whom a string of pleas came in this regard including one in MRC Nagar on Friday, was livid over such bunk owners seeking to exert their right after illegally encroaching a platform.

Wondering as to whether the pedestrians have the right to platforms, the bench suggested the need to initiate criminal proceedings against pavement eateries under the Food and Safety Act for selling unhygienic food.

Pointing out in a lighter vein to the advocates appearing for such bunk shop owners as to whether they would be interested in locating the shops nearby their houses, the bench led by Justice Sathyanrayanan also held that the claim that “bunk shop owners haven’t been given time to put forth the case and haven’t been heard have to be overlooked since the platform is meant for the pedestrians and they cannot stake claim to it as if they have given notice to the Corporation before occupying it.” Also, condemning the attitude of the encroacher and ineptness of the civic body, the bench disposed of the pleas after directing the Corporation to act as per the rules and the Street Vendors Act. The petitioners had contended that the government was yet to form the Street Vendors’ Committee to deal with their pleas and provide them with identity cards.