Bhopal civic body seals illegal shops on residential plots after Supreme Court order
Bhopal Municipal Corporation on Monday sealed several illegal commercial establishments operating on residential plots across the city, acting on directions from the Supreme Court.
However, residents and complainants have alleged that the action was carried out only for show, and that many of the shuttered shops reopened by evening.
According to residents, notices had been issued earlier asking the civic body to seal the illegal shops permanently. They claimed that instead, shops were shut only temporarily, with posters pasted outside stating that commercial activity had been stopped “as per Bhopal Municipal Corporation orders.” Residents alleged that shop owners were assured by civic officials that the action would remain in effect only until August 4, after which businesses could resume as before.
Traders reportedly took a voluntary day off during the drive. Residents claimed that photographs of the standardised posters placed outside each shop were sent to the civic body as proof of compliance, even as they alleged the same premises later resumed operations.
Residents’ groups have called the action an eyewash and alleged that it was aimed at creating a paper trail to satisfy the Supreme Court’s directive, dated August 4, 2026, without addressing the underlying violations. They further alleged that properties belonging to influential individuals remained unaffected during the drive, though Nagar Nigam has not issued an official response to these claims.
Citing what they describe as a pattern of selective and biased enforcement, several resident welfare associations have announced a peaceful, Gandhian-style protest at multiple locations in Bhopal. The civic body has not yet responded publicly to the allegations of collusion or selective action raised by residents.
This report is based on claims made by residents and complainants. Nagar Nigam Bhopal’s official response, if received, will be added to this story.
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