A total of 36 petitions have been filed in the High Court by restaurant and bar owners, claiming that since November 2013, policemen have been deployed outside their business premises.
One of the petitioners is Barkur Shetty, who owns the Prakash Hindu Hotel (Rukhmini Palace) in Thane.
Advocate Veena Thadani appearing for the petitioner argued that 'their (policemen's) presence creates fear in our patrons and affects our business'. She also argued that cops are sitting there from 1 pm to 1 am.
Public Prosecutor S K Shinde opposed the plea saying, 'We have come across untoward incidents and the practise is adopted in public interest. There has to be some regulation.'
However, the court said that surprise checks can be allowed after 9.30 pm that will be in public interest.
'However, these are merely administrative duties and it can be resolved amicably,' the court said.
The court has now directed police to file their reply within two weeks and adjourned the hearing till then.
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