Penalize SOP violations by e-commerce dealers, directs Bombay High Court

A vacation bench of the Bombay High Court has ordered Maharashtra government to penalize e-commerce dealers violating the COVID-related standard operating procedure (SOP) and selling non-essential items. The judges recorded that despite the ongoing violations by e-tailers being brought to the notice of the state, no action has been taken as yet. They directed the government to indicate what steps would be taken against e-commerce dealers supplying non-essential items.

The bench also directed the state to consider offering incentives retail traders. Hearing the petition by the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association, the bench sought more time to decide on waiver of property tax, renewal tax and all licence fees for the entire lockdown period—from March 23, 2020, till when it ends. Senior advocate Anil Sakhare, for BMC also sought time to file a reply regarding cancellation of projection licences.