Bombay High Court orders license verification for Colaba hawkers

The Bombay High Court has told the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to check the licenses of hawkers in Colaba, South Mumbai. This order came after residents complained about the problems caused by unregulated street vending. During the court hearing, Justices Ajey Gadkar and Kamal Khata expressed their concern about how hawkers are blocking footpaths. They emphasized that residents have rights to use public spaces without being hindered. The court made it clear that no hawker should be allowed to operate without a valid license. The court directed the BMC to verify all hawkers' licenses thoroughly. They insisted on evidence of valid permits instead of just surveys. If any hawker is found without a valid license, the court warned of potential eviction and future bans on issuing licenses to them. The Clean Heritage Colaba Residential Association filed the petition, highlighting the negative impact of illegal hawking on residents, especially seniors and people with disabilities. They noted that hawkers not only obstruct pedestrian pathways but also take up parking spaces, worsening traffic congestion. The association is pushing for strict action from the BMC and police against hawkers operating unlawfully.