Mandi MC cracks down on illegal subletting of shops in Indira Market

The Mandi Municipal Corporation (MC) has taken a decisive action against the illegal subletting of shops in Indira Market, with a newly constituted committee tasked with verifying the names and addresses of shopkeepers operating within the market.

MC Commissioner HS Rana said 58 shops had been identified as ‘sublet’ without authorisation from the authorities, a violation of the lease agreements between the MC and the original shopkeepers.

Legal action to evict offenders

The committee will conduct a thorough inspection of the Indira Market to confirm the identities of the individuals currently occupying these 58 shops. Following the completion of this verification process, the MC will proceed with legal actions to evict offenders. — HS Rana, MC Commissioner

According to Commissioner Rana, the subletting practices had persisted despitetheri clear prohibition. Many shopkeepers had unlawfully transferred their rental agreements to third parties, effectively undermining the intended purpose of the leases, which are designed to support local livelihoods. The MC has initiated this crackdown after discovering that some original stakeholders have sold their leases at inflated prices, thereby profiting illegally at the expense of local government and community trust.

“The committee will conduct a thorough inspection of the Indira Market to confirm the identities of the individuals currently occupying these 58 shops. Following the completion of this verification process, the MC will proceed with legal actions to evict offenders, ensuring compliance with municipal regulations,” the Commissioner said.

The Commissioner emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that notices would be dispatched to the identified violators in the coming days. These notices will demand explanations regarding their breach of lease agreements, and failure to respond adequately could lead to immediate eviction from the premises.

Local residents have expressed their concerns regarding the subletting issue, eagerly awaiting the MC’s response to these violations. The shops in Indira Market were originally offered to local entrepreneurs at reduced rental rates, aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainability within the locals. However, the current subletting practices have distorted this objective, leaving many locals frustrated.

The MC’s commitment to enforcing regulations is a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated. Commissioner Rana stated, “We are resolute in our approach; all offenders will be evicted from the sublet shops in Indira Market. Legal action is already underway to address these violations.”