: In a major blow to the city restaurants and hotels, the Madras High Court has directed the government to shut down eateries which do not have adequate parking space.
“We make it clear that if there are no adequate parking spaces available, the authorities shall forthwith shut down the restaurants, and only when they provide parking space, would they be entitled to function,” the First Bench of Chief Justice S.K. Kaul and Justice M. Sundar said.
The issue pertains to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) moved by S. Ragu of Vyasarpadi seeking closure of hotels and restaurants till they provide parking space, open space and fire safety facilities within their premises.
A list of 15 hotels located in prime spots in the city was also provided to the court on behalf of the petitioner by senior counsel A. Sirajudeen. He also pointed out that the hotels have failed to provide the facilities even after notices were sent by the authorities concerned.
When the plea came up for hearing on Friday, the Bench, pointing out a progress report filed by the authorities, said: “The report shows that the hotels are taking everyone for a ride. Either there is no parking facility, whether by valet parking or otherwise, or the spaces are inadequate.”
Noting that the intention of the court was not to close down the eateries, the Bench said that it was to make sure that they provided adequate parking facility.
“It now appears that these eating places have prima facie tried to take advantage of the indulgence we had shown, by not doing the needful, and thus, will have to face the consequence of the same.”
The court then directed the authorities to file a report on the progress and posted the PIL to March 24 for further hearing.
