Why Only Shopkeepers? Pune’s Hoteliers Using Side Margins Escape Action—Thanks to Their ‘Connections’?

Why Only Shopkeepers? Pune’s Hoteliers Using Side Margins Escape Action—Thanks to Their ‘Connections’?

Muzzammil Shaikh

Pune | 09-05-2025 - While Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials continue cracking down on small shopkeepers for encroaching upon side margins and footpaths, a glaring double standard seems to be playing out across the city. Hoteliers and restaurant owners—many of whom occupy margins for seating, parking, or makeshift counters—are being given a free pass. The reason? Alleged political influence and powerful connections.

In localities such as FC Road, Viman Nagar, Koregaon Park, Katraj, and Kondhwa, entire footpaths have been transformed into open-air dining spaces or reserved parking zones for high-end restaurants. Despite multiple public complaints and visible violations, action remains missing. In contrast, small shopkeepers—especially in inner city areas like Camp, Kondhwa, Kasba Peth, Gultekdi and other Pmc areas and zones face immediate demolition of temporary structures and fines.

Selective Action Raises Eyebrows - 

“PMC authorities arrive with JCBs to dismantle a tea stall, cloth shop or vegetable cart, but they turn a blind eye to lavish hotel setups on public property,” said Sunil Jagtap, a local activist. “Why this discrimination? The law must be equal for all.”

Several hoteliers allegedly have the backing of corporators or are closely linked with political figures—an angle that makes authorities hesitant to act.

Citizens Speak Out -

Local residents are also voicing frustration. “We can’t even walk safely with our children in the evenings. The entire footpath is either blocked by hotel chairs or valet services,” said Ayesha Shaikh, a resident of Kondhwa.

PMC’s Silence - 

Repeated attempts to get a response from PMC officials have gone unanswered. When contacted, a junior officer from the encroachment department said on condition of anonymity, “We get orders from above. Sometimes we’re told to skip certain areas.”

This unchecked favoritism has led to a growing perception that only the powerless are punished, while the influential operate above the law.

What Next? -

Activists are now planning to file a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) demanding a fair and uniform crackdown on all illegal encroachments—whether by small vendors or luxury restaurants.

Until then, the question remains: Why only shopkeepers?