The court further pointed out that the Maharashtra government has not imposed any restrictions on the operation of 24-hour convenience stores.
Mumbai, April 1– The Bombay High Court recently ruled that 24-hour convenience stores are beneficial for both customers and the economy, with no legal restrictions preventing them from operating around the clock.
ALSO READ: Renaming Aurangabad and Osmanabad: Bombay High Court Rejects the Plea
This decision came after a petition was filed by Accelerate Productx Ventures Pvt Ltd, the company running ‘The New Shop’ in Pune’s Hadapsar area. The shop was being asked by the Pune Police to shut down by 11 PM, despite no law mandating such an early closure.
A division bench consisting of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna emphasized that 24×7 convenience stores are a globally popular concept.
The court explained, “It brings convenience, ease and flexibility to the consumers to make purchases, more particularly for the persons with non-standard working hours.”
The judges also highlighted that these stores help boost the economy by increasing consumer spending, which in turn creates more job opportunities. This is particularly significant in India, where unemployment remains a major challenge.
The court further pointed out that the Maharashtra government has not imposed any restrictions on the operation of 24-hour convenience stores.
In fact, “no restriction has been imposed by the Maharashtra government on the time during which such stores can operate,” the bench said.
The only exceptions are specific establishments like hookah bars, permit rooms, dance bars, and restaurants that serve alcohol, which face time restrictions under the law.
ALSO READ: Supreme Court Criticizes Bombay High Court’s Bail Decision in Money Laundering Case
The petition was filed after the Pune Police allegedly asked the shop to close by 11 PM, despite no legal grounds for such a demand.
The judges noted that under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Service and Conditions of Service) Act, there is “no embargo” on convenience stores to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In fact, the court pointed out a precedent: in 2020, the government allowed cinema halls to operate 24 hours a day.
The judges said, “Thus, clearly there is no justification whatsoever for the police to impose any restrictions on the petitioner to conduct its shop.”
The court issued a clear directive to the Pune Police, instructing them and other authorities not to force the company to shut down its shop after 11 PM.
ALSO READ: Bombay High Court: Adultery Not Grounds to Deny Child Custody
In response, the Pune police clarified that there had been a “misunderstanding”.
