The Bombay High Court in Mumbai has expressed strong disapproval of the police's failure to act against illegal hawkers, stating that the government's recent six-month deadline for finalizing a street vending policy is merely a facade lacking real enforcement. A division bench, comprising Justices Ajay Gadkari and Kamal Khata, criticized the state for its inaction and emphasized that the police have sufficient authority under the Maharashtra Police Act to tackle the issue. The court noted that while over 9,000 cases against illegal hawkers were filed recently, approximately 300,000 illegal hawkers continue to operate unchecked, particularly around busy areas like the Goregaon West railway station. The court demanded that the state provide a clear plan for identifying and removing these hawkers, urging collaboration between the police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The judges highlighted the negative impact on lawful businesses and pedestrian movement, insisting that immediate action is necessary to restore order on the streets of Mumbai.