India, March 22 -- The Bombay High Court on Friday instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to verify the number of licenses issued to hawkers operating in Colaba, South Mumbai. The directive was issued by a division bench comprising Justices Ajey Gadkar and Kamal Khata while hearing a petition filed by Colaba residents.

Addressing the counsel representing an association of hawkers, the court expressed concern over the inconvenience faced by residents due to unregulated street vending. "Your clients are creating difficulties for residents. Citizens are unable to use footpaths, which are meant for pedestrians. We will not allow a single hawker to operate without a valid license. The residents of Colaba also have rights, and...