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Madras High Court Caps Marina Beach Vending at 300 Shops

The bench rejected the city’s larger plan in favor of a lottery overseen by a retired judge to restore public access.

Overview

  • Only eatables, toys and souvenirs may be sold, with a notional allotment of 100 shops per category and scope for the corporation to adjust the mix.
  • Permits will be issued through a draw of lots under the supervision of a retired High Court judge, whom the bench will name on January 20.
  • Judges disapproved the Greater Chennai Corporation’s revised plan for 1,006 stalls after earlier counts showed 1,417 proposals and a drone survey cited about 1,980 vendors.
  • The court ordered expansion of hawker-free Blue Flag zones and suggested adding stretches near the Parthasarathi Temple to improve access and beach aesthetics.
  • Following the bench’s December 22 inspection, the GCC was told to file an updated plan reflecting the 300-shop cap before the next hearing this month.