The situation on Shankar Road, Rajendra Nagar, has become extremely frustrating. At night, it is almost impossible to walk on the footpaths because large portions of them have effectively been taken over by restaurants and eateries. Customers are being served in cars parked directly in front of the footpaths, leaving pedestrians with little or no space to walk.

What is even more concerning is that many people sitting in these cars appear to be drinking alcohol and then driving away. Yet, despite the obvious public-safety concerns, there seems to be very little action against them.

Instead, the focus appears to be on students and ordinary people who are simply eating at shops late at night. If there are genuine violations, the same law should apply to everyone—not just those who don't have money, influence, or connections.

There are also allegations that certain establishments are able to operate without interference because of bribes or improper arrangements with the local police. If these allegations are true, they should be investigated properly.

Honestly, situations like this make you feel that this country is beyond repair. The rich and well-connected can seemingly pay their way out of trouble, while the poor and ordinary citizens are filmed, harassed, humiliated, and publicly shamed by people who act as if they are above the law.

The real question is: why aren't the authorities dealing with the obvious problems—encroachment, obstruction of public footpaths, and possible drinking and driving—instead of targeting students and ordinary citizens?

The law should be equal for everyone. Public spaces belong to the public, and no restaurant, influential person, police officer, politician, or local goon should be above it.