The Pune shop behind recent Bombay HC ruling that paved way for convenience stores to operate 24×7

New Shop represents a new wave of retail experiences offering comprehensive services that include cafe-style food, groceries, and essentials like printing, courier facilities, ATMs, etc. “The Magarpatta police used to visit occasionally, asking us to shut the store past 10 or 11 pm, which caused inconvenience. So we sought help from the head office in Mumbai and our company, Accelerate Productx Ventures Pvt Ltd, moved the Bombay High Court. Since December last year, we had been seeking to operate round-the-clock. We were represented by advocate Kaustubh R Gidh,” Patidar said.

Sapna Patidar, owner of the New Shop 24 Hours outlet in Hadapsar, said the brand – which successfully runs around 45 outlets in Delhi – opened a franchise in the city in October last year. (Express Photo)

The judgment emphasised the contemporary relevance of 24×7 shops, noting they bring “convenience, ease and flexibility to consumers to make purchases, more particularly for persons with non-standard working hours.” They also highlighted how such establishments boost the economy through increased consumer spending and job creation.

The order came after the examination of an affidavit submitted by the state Industries, Energy and Labour Department which confirmed that there are no restrictions on round-the-clock operations for such outlets.

“Fortunately, the decision was in our favour. From March 28, we have been open 24 hours. We welcome the Bombay High Court’s ruling and will act in alignment with it. We have security staff at all times to avoid any untoward incident, particularly at night. And now we are planning to expand to other parts of Pune while creating additional employment opportunities,” Patidar added.

The judgment emphasised the contemporary relevance of 24×7 shops, noting they bring “convenience, ease and flexibility to consumers to make purchases, more particularly for persons with non-standard working hours.” (Express Photo)

Meanwhile, local residents also welcomed the judgment. Ranjit Sharma, a software professional from Hadapsar who works night shifts, said, “Earlier, if I needed anything after my shift ended at 2 am, I had no options. Even basic things like milk or bread were impossible to find. Now, we can have wraps, rolls, burgers, coffee, and much more. Such stores can be like a lifesaver for people like me.”

K Smita, a nursing student at a hospital nearby, said, “During night shifts, I often struggle to find a proper meal or even toilets. Now I can stop by the store even during midnight hours and grab a sandwich. It will make life much easier for healthcare workers or those who do not work on a 9-to-5 schedule.”