The long-pending action against several allegedly unauthorised restaurants in Nagpur’s Bajaj Nagar and Shankar Nagar areas may finally move forward after the Maharashtra government rejected appeals challenging demolition notices issued nearly a decade ago.
The development came to light during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Shankar Nagar residents Dr Lalit Harode, Aseem Baodia and Mrudula Phadke before a division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday.
The petitioners contended that numerous restaurants operating in the Shankar Nagar-Bajaj Nagar belt were allegedly violating development regulations, leading to persistent issues such as late-night disturbances, noise pollution, traffic congestion and recurring law-and-order concerns.
The controversy dates back to 2016 when the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) issued notices to 27 establishments under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, citing unauthorised constructions and other violations. However, the proceedings were stalled after the restaurant operators obtained interim relief from the state’s Urban Development Department.
During an earlier hearing, the court had expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay in deciding the appeals. On Wednesday, the state government informed the bench that all the appeals had been rejected, potentially paving the way for enforcement action.
According to NMC officials, the decision significantly increases the possibility of action, including demolition of unauthorised structures, in one of the city’s busiest commercial zones.
Meanwhile, restaurant owners sought permission to intervene in the proceedings and urged the court to prevent authorities from taking coercive action without first hearing their side.
Represented by advocate Uday Dable, the restaurant operators argued that any abrupt action could have severe financial consequences for their businesses.
The court allowed the intervention applications and adjourned the matter for further hearing. Appearing for the NMC, advocate Gemini Kasat assured the bench that no immediate coercive action would be initiated and that affected establishments would be given at least 15 days’ prior notice before any proceedings are undertaken.
During the hearing, the civic body also informed the court that the number of restaurants operating in the Bajaj Nagar-Shankar Nagar stretch has now crossed 50, further intensifying concerns related to traffic congestion, parking shortages and disturbances arising from late-night commercial activity.
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