MUMBAI, 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 produced, the BMC alleged that the company was carrying on trade in the premises and directed it to stop the service immediately, failing which it would take necessary action as per the provisions of the MMC Act, 1888. Taking cognisance of the issue, the magistrate court on September 23, 2024, issued the process under the provisions of the MMC Act. Aggrieved by this, the company approached the Bombay high court, challenging the order under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). The company clarified that the "eating house canteen" is a designated dining area for the employees to consume food during their meal breaks. It further stated that the arrangement of the microwaves, vending machines, refrigerators and the tables were made for the employees as a goodwill gesture, for them to heat the food and avail tea/coffee. After hearing both the sides, the single-judge bench of justice Madhav Jamdar quashed the criminal complaint filed by the BMC, stating that there is no material on record to show that any "trade" is being conducted in the premises. The court also stated that no element of "profit" was present in the case and quashed the process ordered by the magistrate court....