SHIVSHANKAR LALJI YADAV Vs. THANE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have heard the learned Advocate for the Petitioners and the learned Advocate appearing on behalf of the Thane Municipal Corporation.

(2.) The issue pertains to the Petitioners operating masala grinding units using electricity and power-operated machines. The constant sound generated by the pounding of raw materials is the cause for the residents in the neighbourhood to file complaints with the Municipal Corporation. The neighbourhood seems to have been irritated by the continuous pounding of the machines. The Petitioners commence their businesses in the morning and shut their shops in the evening.

(3.) The grievance of the Petitioners is that on 31/10/2025, officials of the Municipal Corporation sealed the Petitioners' shops. Further grievance is that in the area in which the Petitioners' shops are located, there are several other such shops involved in the same business. Information sought under the Right to Information Act reveals that some machine operators, whose machines were initially sealed, were subsequently de-sealed. It is, therefore, contended that the Petitioners have undertaken to modify their machines so as to reduce operational sounds, which would require approximately 10 to 12 days, for which, the shops have to be de-sealed. Upon completion of such modifications, the Municipal Corporation can examine the machines.