Marina Beach Not A Shopping Mall: High Court

The Madras High Court has raised serious concern about the large number of shops on Chennai’s Marina Beach, many of which are permanent structures. The court said that Marina Beach is meant for public recreation and not a shopping mall or a bazaar.

A special bench of Justice R. Suresh Kumar and Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira made these remarks while hearing petitions related to the shops operating on the beach. The judges had recently visited Marina Beach themselves to assess the situation on the ground.

According to reports placed before the court, there are around 1,980 shops on the beach. The bench said this number is extremely high and unnecessary, especially when compared to the actual number of visitors who use the beach at any given time. The judges described the situation as unwanted and excessive for a public beach.

The court made it clear that only a limited type of business should be allowed on Marina Beach. It said that vendors may sell eatables, toys and fancy items only. Shops selling any other goods should not be permitted.

The bench strongly stated that the beach is a recreation space for the public, especially for women and children, and should remain open, safe and uncluttered. Allowing too many shops, especially permanent ones, affects the natural beauty of the beach and the comfort of visitors, the court said.