After HC order, RMC lens on rooftop bars

Ranchi: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Saturday started a scrutiny of unauthorised rooftop bars and restaurants in the city. The move comes after the high court directed the civic body to take action against those operating without approved building plans.
A total of 34 rooftop bars and restaurants were running without valid building plan approvals, though they held trade licences.While the RMC earlier issued notices, most businesses continued their operations.
RMC additional administrator Sanjay Kumar said, "All cases have been placed under observationr, meaning no immediate action has been taken. These establishments will continue to operate while we further examine them."
The high court in September 2024 suo motu summoned the RMC commissioner and questioned the legalities surrounding rooftop bars operating without approved building plans.
Following the court's intervention, RMC issued notices to the owners of rooftop establishments to appear before the RMC court with legal representatives and present relevant documents, including trade licences and building plans.
Many rooftop bar and restaurant owners claim they are being unfairly targeted. Akshay, manager of Greeka at Kanke, said, "Why would I receive any notice? We run legally and pay our taxes. If approvals were an issue, why were we allowed to operate in the first place?"
Sanjay Kumar said, "Paying taxes or having a trade licence does not make an establishment legal. A rooftop bar must also have an approved building plan."