HC dismisses platform hawkers petition

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, JULY 31. The Madras High Court found no merit in a petition filed on behalf of platform hawkers in the Usman Road area in T.Nagar, and dismissed the petition challenging the eviction operation launched by the police.

The petitioner-association, Kizhakku Paguthi Usman Road Sirukadai Vyabarigal Sangam, complained that the police were interfering with their right to carry on their trade between GEM & Co and L.K.S. Jewellers on Usman Road.

Claiming that their occupation of pavements did not cause any disturbance to the public, the vendors said if removed from the pavements, they would be deprived of their livelihood.

The police had opposed the contention on the grounds that the road was a busy one, full of commercial establishments. If the vendors were allowed to put up shops on the pavements, the pedestrians would have to walk on the road risking their lives.

In his order, Mr. Justice S. Jagadeesan noted that the petitioners were putting forward their case as if they had had a right to conduct their trade on the pavements. The occupation of the platform undoubtedly caused hindrance to pedestrians, who, though legally entitled to use the platforms, were deprived of the benefit.

Noting that occupation of the pavement by members of the petitioner-association could not be legal one, the Judge dubbed it as a wrongful act.

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