Mumbai: Paan traders protest at Azad Maidan against MCOCA action over banned tobacco sales

Ajit Suryavanshi discussing the issue with the FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal. Pic/Sameer Abedi

Thousands of paan shop owners from across Maharashtra gathered at Azad Maidan on Tuesday as the Maharashtra Pan Vyapari Mahasangh staged a protest against the alleged use of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and Section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against traders accused of selling banned tobacco products.

Key demands

The association, which claims to represent over seven lakh traders, said those involved in illegal activities should be punished, but ordinary retailers should not be booked under laws meant for organised crime syndicates. Protesters travelled from Ahilyanagar, Nashik, Jalgaon, Pune, Kolhapur, and parts of Vidarbha.

Mahasangh State President Ajit Suryavanshi said the organisation has complete faith in the Court, where the matter is pending. He said if the government wants to ban certain products, it should adopt a uniform national policy instead of targeting retailers in Maharashtra. "Our fight is for justice, not against the law," Suryavanshi said.

Maharashtra Pan Vyapari Mahasangh State President Ajit Suryavanshi spoke to mid-day about the protest.

Excerpts from the interview.

Why should MCOCA not be used against paan traders? What should be done against repeat offenders?
We support strict action against illegal tobacco sales, but MCOCA is for organised crime, not legitimate traders. Repeat offenders should face stricter penalties, including licence cancellation and prosecution under existing laws.

How many traders joined Tuesday's bandh?
The Mahasangh represents over seven lakh traders. Thousands joined the Azad Maidan protest, and many shops remained shut across Maharashtra. District-wise data is being compiled.

Why oppose the ban on flavoured tobacco despite health concerns?
We support public health and regulation, but enforcement should be uniform. If a product is legal elsewhere, Maharashtra retailers should not face selective action.

What if the government rejects your demands?
Our first preference is dialogue. We have met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal, who assured us the matter would be examined. We also have faith in the Supreme Court. If our concerns remain unresolved, we will consider peaceful protests, legal action, and further talks with the government.

Voices

Avinash Pawar, trader from Ahilyanagar
‘It took us six hours to reach Mumbai. MCOCA has not been imposed in Ahilyanagar so far, but FDA officials are harassing us. We want fair treatment for all traders'

Shahrukh Tamboli, trader
‘We live in fear that action may be taken against us. We are not criminals; we are simply running our business'

Brijesh Chaurasia, chairman of the Panvel Pan Association
‘Traders were not against strict enforcement but wanted authorities to verify violations before taking action'