Top cop welcomes HC order on 'illogical' deadline for hotels

Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh welcomed the Bombay High Court order today which has allowed restaurants and bars to remain open until 5 am on January 1 but appealed to citizens to remain alert, saying the city faces a "real threat" from "terrorists".
"I respect and welcome the Bombay High Court order which will be followed by us. I will instruct all police officers in this regard," Singh told reporters here today.
However, the city top cop appealed to citizens to be alert as the country's financial capital faces a "real threat" from "terrorists".
Earlier today, the Bombay High Court struck down the city police's diktat for closure of eateries, bars and restaurants at 1.30 am and extended it till 5 am in the morning, dubbing the police order as "illogical".

Singh also recalled that although the government had granted permission to hotels and restaurants to remain open until 5 am, it had also stated that each hotel owner should get permission from the Police Commissioner.
Responding to a question why he had taken a decision to impose a 1.30 am deadline, Singh said "providing security in the city is our top priority. Presently, the city faces a real threat from terrorists. During such celebrations, the shadow of terrorism increases. Also keeping in mind the safety and security of women as well as prevention of drunken driving, noise pollution as well as nuisance on the roads, I had earlier gone for the 1.30 am deadline".

"There was nothing personal in this. There was no ego involved," the IPS officer claimed.
"For the last two years, the deadline was 1.30 am. Last year also, the Indian Hotels and Restaurant Association (AHAR) had approached the Bombay High Court which dismissed their petition to extend the deadline. But this time, the court granted them permission. So, we will follow court orders," he said.