HC asks Rly to remove illegal hawkers from platforms

Bombay High Court directed the Railway authorities to remove all illegal hawkers from foot-over-bridges and platforms in the metropolis.

The direction came when a division bench of Justices JN Patel and KK Tated was hearing a petition filed by Central Railways Shopkeepers' Premises Co-Operative Society, a group of 35 shops outside suburban Kurla station.

The petitioners were opposing Railway's proposed action against them. Railway counsel Suresh Kumar submitted that the shops were causing obstruction to the commuters and they had no right to be there.

He pointed out that the City Civil Court in October 2008 had rejected the society's application seeking similar relief. The society had moved court challenging a notice issued by the Railways under the Public Premises Act.

The High Court refused to grant any relief to petitioners.