Hundred unlicensed shops in Panampilly Nagar sealed

KOCHI: The City Corporation has sealed 100 unlicensed commercial establishments functioning in Panampilly Nagar area based on a High Court directive. Notice has been served to more than 245 shopowners for not having valid commercial permits and gave them an opportunity to hear their explanation. Only 145 shopowners responded to the notice and the civic body has decided to seal shops of those who did not respond back.

Mayor Soumini Jain said that the civic body was just implementing the High Court order and prior notice has been served to all shop owners. The Corporation council on Thursday had passed a resolution to convert Panampilly Nagar into a ‘mixed use’ zone which will be submitted for the State Government’s further action. Earlier, the Advocates Commissioner appointed by the High Court to verify permits of shopowners who have occupied residential buildings in the Panampilly Nagar residential area had identified that only very few firms have valid permits.

The HC issued the order based on a writ petition filed by a group of residents against functioning of commercial establishments in residential buildings. P.D. Martin, councillor of Giri Nagar division, told DC that the civic body’s action is fully justifiable as these shops have been functioning without any licence or permits. “How can these establishments operate without any legal permits?” he asked. “The shopowners can apply for a new license if the High Court puts stay on its earlier order not to issue new commercial license after March 31, 2015,” he added. Meanwhile, representatives of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi protested the closure and tried to prevent the civic officials.