Bombay High Court Clears Way For 24×7 Operation Of Convenience Stores, Grants Relief To Pune Shop
Bomb Threat at Mumbai High Court: Building Evacuate
Mumbai, April 4, 2025 — In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has reaffirmed that convenience stores can operate 24×7 without restrictions, providing relief to a Pune-based store that challenged police-imposed closing hours.
A division bench comprising Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Advait M Sethna emphasized the economic and consumer benefits of round-the-clock retail operations. “Such establishments cater to individuals with non-standard working hours, boost consumer spending, and create employment opportunities, which is vital for a country facing unemployment challenges,” the court observed.
The ruling came in response to a plea filed by Accelerate Productx Ventures Pvt. Ltd., which runs ‘The New Shop’ at Amanora Park Town in Hadapsar. The company challenged police restrictions that forced it to shut down between 10-11 p.m., arguing that no legal provision under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017 imposes such a limitation.
Petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Kaustubh R Gidh, pointed out that no government notification restricts 24×7 operations of convenience stores. The High Court reviewed an affidavit from the Industries, Energy, and Labour Department, which confirmed there was no legal barrier to round-the-clock functioning.
The local police station admitted that the restriction was imposed due to a “misunderstanding” and had no legal backing. The court further clarified that a 2017 notification restricting late-night operations applied only to liquor-serving establishments, bars, discotheques, and theatres, while a 2020 amendment allowed cinemas and theatres to function 24 hours. These restrictions, however, did not apply to convenience stores.
Ruling in favor of the petitioner, the court stated, “Apart from these two notifications, there is no law or directive prohibiting the 24×7 functioning of such convenience stores.” The verdict is expected to set a precedent for similar businesses across Maharashtra, ensuring they can operate without arbitrary limitations.
