The Bombay High Court canceled a decision to close Hotel Sai Sheetal for a year. The hotel, located in Nimgaon Korhale, was accused of being involved in illegal activities. The court found that the closure order was unfair because it didn't follow proper procedures.
The case started when a local official ordered the closure of Hotel Sai Sheetal on July 18, 2025. This order was based on alleged violations of laws against prostitution. The hotel was accused of being a place where prostitution activities happened.
"The challenge in this petition is to the order dated 18.07.2025...whereby respondent no.2 has directed evacuation and closure of the petitioner’s hotel 'Sai Sheetal'...for a period of one year."
Babasaheb Bhimraj Chaudhari, the person who co-owns the hotel, argued that he was not involved in any illegal activities. He claimed that the hotel was rented out to Bhausaheb Sahebrao Jagtap, and he was not given a chance to defend himself before the closure order was made.
"The petitioner replied...stating that the offence was registered in the year 2023 and the petitioner has no concern with the said offence."
The court, led by Justices Vaishali Patil-Jadhav and Nitin B. Suryawanshi, found that the closure order was made without giving Chaudhari a fair chance to explain himself. This was unfair because everyone should have the chance to be heard before any negative action is taken against them.
"Admittedly, before issuing the impugned order...no notice was served on the petitioner and no opportunity of hearing is given to the petitioner."
The court canceled the closure order and sent the case back to the local official for reconsideration. The official must now give Chaudhari a chance to present his side of the story before making a new decision.
"The order dated 18.07.2025...is hereby quashed and set aside...who shall after giving opportunity of hearing to the petitioner...pass appropriate orders on merits."
This case shows how important it is to follow fair procedures and make sure everyone has the right to defend themselves in court. The hotel will stay open while the official takes another look at the case.
