India, June 24 -- The Bombay high court recently held that a dining area in office premises, installed with vending machines and other appliances, does not amount to carrying out "trade" as contemplated under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act, 1888.

The case dates back to June 27, 2024, when an inspection was carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the premises of M/s. Bob Capital Markets Ltd. Pursuant to the inspection report, it was found that the company was running an "eating house canteen" in its premises without a licence. The canteen had two microwaves, tea/coffee vending machine, induction, refrigerators, and tables for service purposes, in the designated area.

Noting that the licence was not prod...