HC questions legality of stalls on metro footpaths; seeks report from GHMC, HMRL

The Telangana High Court has questioned the legality of permitting commercial stalls on pedestrian pathways beneath metro stations, observing that such use obstructs public movement. Hearing a writ petition, Justice NV Shravan Kumar directed GHMC and HMRL to file a detailed report on the permissions granted and action taken regarding the stalls.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice NV Shravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday questioned the legality of permitting commercial stalls in pedestrian pathways beneath metro stations and observed that public spaces earmarked for pedestrians cannot be allowed to be occupied in a manner that obstructs smooth movement of the public.

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The observations came while hearing a writ petition filed by Bannela Akhil challenging the leasing and commercial utilization of footpath areas situated beneath metro stations.

During the hearing, counsel appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Vijay Gopal, submitted that several commercial stalls had been established in areas specifically designated for pedestrian movement. He informed the Court that despite submitting complaints to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), no effective action had been taken by the authorities.

The petitioner further contended that while the GHMC has been undertaking stringent enforcement measures against street vendors across the city, it has remained indifferent to commercial stalls functioning beneath metro stations. It was argued that such selective enforcement raises serious concerns regarding the protection of public pathways meant exclusively for pedestrians.

Taking note of the submissions, Justice NV Shravan Kumar questioned under what authority footpath space intended for pedestrians could be leased out or rented for commercial purposes.

The Court observed that permitting commercial activities in pedestrian zones would inevitably hinder public movement and defeat the very purpose for which such spaces were created. The High Court directed the concerned authorities to place on record the details of the action taken on the petitioner’s complaints.

It further ordered the GHMC and Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) to submit a comprehensive report explaining the steps taken so far with regard to the stalls operating beneath metro stations and the permissions, if any, granted for such activities and posted the matter for further hearing on June 17.