Nagpur: The city police on Monday rejected allegations of inaction over illegal liquor consumption, noise pollution and public nuisance by the eateries on PDKV land in East Shankar Nagar. The cops asserted that “necessary action has been taken as per law” through continuous enforcement over the years.In a detailed reply before the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court, police authorities stated that between 2016 and 2025, “total 280 FIRs have been registered” under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act and other applicable laws. The reply, filed in response to a PIL by three Shankar Nagar residents through senior counsel Akshay Naik and Parth Malviya, emphasised regular night patrolling, surprise inspections and preventive action against violations such as illegal liquor consumption, late-night operations, and loud music.The petitioners alleged that authorities failed to curb unlawful activities, including liquor consumption without permits, operation beyond permissible hours and noise pollution. They sought directives to permanently shut down such establishments and enforce stricter policing under provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act and Prohibition Act.Countering these claims, the police maintained that “registration of FIR itself demonstrates that the Police had taken cognisance of the complaint and initiated legal action”. It added that immediate steps are taken when violations are detected, including stopping sound systems operating beyond permissible hours and initiating legal proceedings.The reply filed by Bajaj Nagar police inspector Chetansingh Chauhan through additional govt pleader Sangita Jachak also highlighted jurisdictional limitations, stating that licensing, building permissions and regulatory enforcement fall primarily under the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC)and the State Excise Department. “The answering respondent is not authority for issuance of license,” the reply stated, urging the court to direct inclusion of the municipal commissioner as a party to the case.Police further noted that several establishments were found allowing customers to bring liquor and consume it on the premises, leading to action. In one instance, a restaurant was sealed for 15 days under Section 142 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act following repeated violations, the cops said.Addressing concerns over public nuisance, the police said preventive measures, including notices, rounding up habitual offenders and continuous surveillance, are in place. “Immediate preventive and legal action have been taken” in cases involving disorderly conduct, rash driving and late-night disturbances, the reply stated.The authorities also pointed to systemic gaps, including the removal of mandatory police verification for certain licences since 2015, which they suggested has impacted regulatory oversight.Denying “generalised allegations of inaction,” the police told the court that enforcement is based on “specific instances, evidence and complaints,” with ongoing monitoring to maintain public order.Key Takeaways:Police deny inaction, citing 280 FIRs between 2016 and 2025 for violationsPIL alleges illegal liquor consumption, noise pollution and late-night operationsCops say regular patrolling, inspections and preventive actions are underwayPolice highlight limited powers; licensing falls under NMC and Excise DepartmentAction taken against establishments allowing outside liquor consumptionOne restaurant sealed for 15 days under Prohibition Act for repeat violationsLoud music beyond permissible hours stopped through on-ground enforcementPreventive measures include notices, surveillance and action against offenders
