The vacation bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday refused to intervene in a plea challenging the allotment of shops to new traders in Marina beach at the cost of the existing traders.
Chennai: The vacation bench comprising Justice R Mahadevan and Justice Anita Sumanth before whom arguments prevailed merely adjourned it to January 8, when the issue linked to it is scheduled for hearing.
It was contended that the government has already restricted over 2,000 shops present at Marina to 900 uniform fibreglass pushcart shops. But now, taking away 40 per cent of the shops to accommodate new traders would deprive many of the existing shop owners without any livelihood.
Additional Advocate General SR Rajagopalan, appearing for the State, contended that the plea was not maintainable as a similar prayer by the same petitioner has been dismissed.
He pointed out that the 60:40 ratio was accorded by the High Court and based on that applications have been received and the draw of lots by a retired high court judge to ensure utter transparency is fixed to be held on January 20.
Hence, the whole process is transpiring as per the High Court directions and hence the issue raised is not maintainable.
However, during the hearing, Justice Mahadevan pointed out that the Street Vendors’ Act, while offering preferential treatment to existing vendors, does not prohibit other traders from coming in. He also held that the petition is premature.
It was contended that the government has already restricted over 2,000 shops present at Marina to 900 uniform fibreglass pushcart shops. But now, taking away 40 per cent of the shops to accommodate new traders would deprive many of the existing shop owners without any livelihood.
Additional Advocate General SR Rajagopalan, appearing for the State, contended that the plea was not maintainable as a similar prayer by the same petitioner has been dismissed.
He pointed out that the 60:40 ratio was accorded by the High Court and based on that applications have been received and the draw of lots by a retired high court judge to ensure utter transparency is fixed to be held on January 20.
Hence, the whole process is transpiring as per the High Court directions and hence the issue raised is not maintainable.
However, during the hearing, Justice Mahadevan pointed out that the Street Vendors’ Act, while offering preferential treatment to existing vendors, does not prohibit other traders from coming in. He also held that the petition is premature.
Conversations