Malabar Hill residents have complained about harassment and arbitrary fines imposed by the traffic police at Pherozeshah Mehta Garden, or Hanging Garden, and Kamla Nehru Park, under the excuse of 'VIP movement'.
In a letter to the Mumbai Traffic Police on Saturday, the Malabar Hill Residents' Association and Friends of Malabar Hill Group, complained about fines for unauthorised parking though no communication or prior warning is issued to inform them that parking is restricted for the day.
Residents Protest Arbitrary Penalties
Residents said that the roads adjacent to these parks are over 100 meters wide and can support safe roadside parking without obstructing traffic or emergency movement. Despite this, vehicles are repeatedly and indiscriminately fined, arbitrarily, often without any visible signage, public notification, or reasonable cause, the residents said.
The letter said that over the last three or four years, they have been subjected to arbitrary and unjustified traffic fines, particularly during evening hours. Traffic police have been accused of issuing challans and capturing photos without providing any prior information, signage, or notice of restrictions.
Unprofessional Conduct Alleged
Instead of receiving the dignity and respect due to us, citizens who have lived peacefully and contributed to the Malabar Hill community for over 25 years are made to feel like trespassers in our own neighbourhood. Not only are we fined without reason, but the tone and approach of certain officers is unprofessional and hostile, said the letter from Kamni Sharma who wrote on behalf of the residents of the area.
The residents have named two police officials who have been accused of behaving in a high-handed and dismissive manner, reportedly stating: "'Complain to whoever you want I don't care'.
VIPs Park Freely, Locals Penalised
The residents pointed out to what they called 'intolerable double standards'. While regular citizens are penalised for parking momentarily to enjoy a walk, cars belonging to VIP security convoys, political party members and police officials are parked haphazardly across the entire stretch without any regulation or accountability. This leaves no space for long-time residents and walkers to safely and temporarily park their vehicles, the letter said Residents have demanded a review and clarification of the parking policy for the Hanging Garden/Kamla Nehru Park stretch, immediate removal of arbitrary 'no parking' signage and provision of clearly demarcated, regulated parking spaces for local residents and senior citizens. They have asked for an advance public communication protocol via online or offline notice to inform citizens about VIP movement and restrictions, investigation into the rude conduct of traffic policemen, and designated parking slots or permits for Malabar Hill residents, senior citizens, disabled persons, and walkers.
Seven-Day Deadline for Action
The letter has demanded a solution to the issue in seven days, failing which the residents warned that they will escalate the matter to higher authorities, elected representatives, and the courts.
