Sections 394 & 471of the Mumbai Municipal Corporations Act, 1988
During inspection of the trade premises, it was found that the petitioner was carrying out eating house canteen activity with the help of microwaves, tea / coffee vending machine, induction, refrigerators, tables for service purpose without licence.
However, section 3(ff) defines “eating-house” to mean any premises to which the public are admitted and where any kind of food is prepared or supplied for consumption on the premises for the profit or gain of any person owning or having an interest in or managing such premises.
In this case, the eating facilities are provided to the employees during their meal break they could reheat their food prior to consumption and tea / coffee vending machines are provided which are self-service machines, utilized by the employees themselves and same is neither sold nor purchased by any person. The place provided for eating is merely a dining area with absolutely zero trade.
HELD that the activity of the Company in providing separate dining area for the employees for consuming the food contained in food tiffin carried by them and arranging microwave ovens, tea / coffee vending machines, induction, refrigerator, tables so that the employees could reheat their food prior to consumption for the employees and the guests visiting their office clearly shows that there is no material on record showing that any “trade” is being conducted to attract the main requirement of Section 394(1)€(i) of the MMC Act.
Judgment dated 17.6.2025 of the High Court of Bombay in Criminal Application No.409 of 2025 of M/s. Bob Capital Markets Ltd Vs. The State of Maharashtra and another
