BMC, state to respond on a plea seeking to waive of license fees, property tax

Mumbai: Bombay High Court bench justices Ramesh Dhanuka and Madhav Jamdar directed the Maharashtra government to take action against e-commerce traders who violate lockdown restrictions and distribute unwanted items. The bench also asked the state government to know the steps being taken to formulate a package for retailers.

 

Businesses are affected by the epidemic and the subsequent lockdown. The judges were hearing a petition filed by the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA) citing huge losses to retailers due to contagion and lockdown restrictions. Dipesh Siroya, senior counsel appearing for FRTWA, told the bench that even though restrictions have been imposed, non-essential traders are still doing their business under e-commerce.

 

Siroya submitted that although government SOPs only provide essential services, non-essential items are traded through e-commerce. The lawyer also submitted that the state has brought in a package for traders who are facing financial problems due to the restrictions. We urge the authorities to formulate a similar package as retailers have completely shut down their businesses due to the epidemic. He also said that they are facing financial problems.

 

Additional Government Pleader Jyoti Chavan said the state would file an affidavit in response to the petition. She also told the bench that state SOPs would only provide essential services. In it, Justice Dhanuka said, but what do these retailers say? Non-essential items are also traded through e-commerce.

 

This is a serious problem. Check it out. Concerning the petition in the petition seeking exemption of license fee, property tax, and other fees, the Municipal Committee submitted that these issues will be considered by Anil Sakhar, Senior Advocate for BMC. The state has been directed to file an affidavit in response to this petition. It should also indicate efforts to formulate a package for retailers whose businesses are affected by pandemic and lockdown restrictions, Justice Dhanuka said. The state was ordered to indicate the action to be taken and the action report to be taken against those who provide non-essential services.