Pan vendors at Azad Maidan protest against the alleged misuse of Section 328 of the IPC and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against small traders

Speaking at the protest, Ajit Suryavanshi said both high courts had earlier held that Section 328 could not be invoked in such cases and urged authorities to ensure uniform application of the law

The Maharashtra Pan Vyapari Mahasangh claimed the demonstration represented more than seven lakh paan vendors, describing it as one of the largest protests by the state's paan-trading community

Paan vendors attending the protest said they support efforts to curb the sale of gutka but opposed the application of stringent legal provisions against small businesses while the matter remains before the Supreme Court

Protesters urged the Maharashtra government to adopt a uniform national policy if certain products are to be prohibited instead of targeting traders only within the state

The Maharashtra Pan Vyapari Mahasangh said the Azad Maidan protest was a fight to protect the dignity, livelihood and future of lakhs of families associated with the paan trade while reaffirming its commitment to lawful business practices