Archive · 4 Aug 2025
Mumbai Restaurants Seek Protection from Herbal Hookah Police Raids
Some restaurant owners in Mumbai are having a problem with the police.
They sell herbal hookahs, which are allowed according to a court order from 2019.
The police have been visiting their restaurants, telling them to stop selling the hookahs.
The owners are asking the High Court to tell the police to stop because they are following the rules.
They want to make sure the police don't bother them anymore.
The court is looking into the issue and will decide what to do.
Restaurant owners in Mumbai filed a petition in Bombay High Court.
They are seeking protection from police raids on herbal hookah services.
The owners claim to comply with a 2019 High Court order permitting herbal hookahs.
They allege police are violating the order by threatening and raiding establishments.
The court granted time for the government pleader to respond and allowed plea amendment.
- Who
- Restaurant owners and the Bombay High Court.
- What
- Restaurant owners are seeking protection from police action regarding herbal hookahs.
- When
- The petition was filed in the Bombay High Court, with the court hearing set for August 6.
- Where
- Mumbai, at the Bombay High Court.
- Why
- Restaurant owners want protection from police raids and actions against their herbal hookah services.
Restaurant Owners
Police / State Home Department
Compliance with Regulations
Restaurant Owners
Restaurants are compliant with the 2019 High Court order and COTPA.
Police / State Home Department
Police are acting in violation of the 2019 order by raiding and threatening restaurants.
Economic Impact
Restaurant Owners
Police actions cause financial loss and affect employee livelihoods.
Police / State Home Department
Police actions should cease until due process is followed.
- Plaintiffs
- 12 restaurant owners
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Subject
- Police raids on herbal hookah
- Relief Sought
- Protection from coercive action
- Related Act
- COTPA and BNSS
- Date of Hearing
- August 6