'Roads and sidewalks are empty for VIPs, why not for

The High Court of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra said that when roads and footpaths are cleared for the Prime Minister and other VVIPs on one day, why can't it be done for everyone else every day? Clean sidewalks and safe places to walk are everyone's basic rights. State authorities are bound to do so.

A division bench of Justices MS Sonak and Kamal Khatar of the Mumbai High Court on Monday made the remarks while hearing a plea seeking eviction of hawkers and illegal vendors from sidewalks and roads.

The High Court bench said the state cannot just think forever to solve the problem of encroachment of illegal hawkers on the city's pavements and take strict action in this regard.

Last year, the Mumbai High Court took cognizance of the eviction of illegal and illegal hawkers and vendors in the city. The High Court bench on Monday said it knows the problem is huge and states, civic bodies and other authorities cannot just leave it alone. The High Court has called for strict action in this regard.

The High Court bench said, "When the Prime Minister or some VVIP arrives, the streets and footpaths are immediately vacated...and this system remains in effect till they pass through." How is it done then? Why can't it be done for everyone else? Citizens are taxpayers ... they have a right to clean sidewalks and safe places to walk.''

“Sidewalks and safe places to walk are fundamental rights of citizens. We ask our children to walk on the sidewalk. But if there are no sidewalks to walk on, what will we tell our children?'' asked the High Court.

A division bench of Mumbai Justices MS Sonak and Kamal Khatar said authorities have been saying for years that they are working on the issue. The state must do something drastic. Authorities cannot think forever about what should be done and what is being done about it. They seem to lack the will. Because if there is a will, there is a way.

Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) senior consultant SU Kamdar said action is phased in against vendors and hawkers sitting on roads and pavements. But they come back again. BMC is also considering the option of underground market, he said.

The Mumbai court has scheduled the next hearing on this matter on July 22.