India, April 16 -- The Bombay High Court on Wednesday pulled up the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Police over the continued presence of illegal hawkers in Goregaon, directing the civic body to file an affidavit detailing its action plan to clear encroachments.

The directions came on a petition filed by Goregaon Merchants Association, a non-profit trust with 1200 shopkeepers as members, seeking directions for the authorities to enforce existing laws designed to regulate street vending and to ensure that public pathways remain accessible and safe for commuters. Additionally, it also highlighted the "prevailing lawlessness and rampant hooliganism, particularly outside the Goregaon West railway station and adjoining...