Interim Protection Granted to Vendors with Provisional Certificates; MCD Ordered to Complete Vending Plans and Issue Final Certificates
In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court has issued detailed directions to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for the finalization of vending plans and the issuance of Certificates of Vending (CoVs) to street vendors across the city. The Court, presided over by Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Madhu Jain, underscored the importance of a systematic and timely approach to resolve the longstanding issues faced by street vendors.
The case, titled Sumit Verma v. Government of NCT of Delhi, was brought forward by multiple street vendors who had been issued provisional CoVs or were operating based on prior surveys. Their grievances included improper categorization, unfeasible conditions for vendors with disabilities, and unspecified vending sites in the provisional CoVs.
The MCD has been directed to adhere to a time-bound plan to establish Town Vending Committees (TVCs), finalize vending zones, and issue final CoVs. The Court provided interim protection to vendors with provisional CoVs, ensuring they are not disturbed until the finalization of their vending status by the TVCs.
The High Court emphasized the need for the MCD to consider factors such as the nature of vending, disabilities, and hygiene while issuing the final CoVs. The judgment also mandated the MCD to prepare electoral rolls and conduct elections for the TVCs, ensuring proper functioning and regulation of street vending activities.
The MCD presented a timeline to the Court, outlining the steps to be taken, including the issuance of provisional CoVs by April 30, 2026, preparation of electoral rolls by May 15, 2026, and the constitution of TVCs by July 21, 2026. The elections for the TVCs are slated for June 30, 2026.
The Court concluded by directing that street vendors must maintain cleanliness and refrain from constructing permanent or temporary structures. It also noted the lack of financial contributions from vendors to municipal bodies and urged TVCs to determine appropriate monetary terms for CoVs.
The petitions were disposed of with these directives, and all pending applications were resolved. This decision marks a pivotal step towards formalizing the street vending ecosystem in Delhi, ensuring the protection of vendors' livelihoods while maintaining urban order.
Bottom line:-
Street Vendors - Issuance of Certificates of Vending (CoVs) - Detailed directions issued for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to finalize vending plans, vending zones, and the issuance of final CoVs. Interim protection granted to street vendors holding provisional CoVs until final CoVs are issued.
Statutory provision(s): Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, Delhi Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Rules, 2017, Delhi Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme-2019.
Sumit Verma v. Government of NCT of Delhi, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2902686
