Court dismisses petition by unauthorized street vendors, reiterates Nehru Place as a No-hawking and No-vending zone due to safety concerns.
In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court, on March 24, 2026, reaffirmed Nehru Place's status as a No-hawking and No-vending zone, dismissing the petition filed by Bachchu Singh and others seeking permission to vend in the area. The court imposed costs on the petitioners for their persistent misuse of judicial resources despite previous rulings against them.
The Division Bench, comprising Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Madhu Jain, emphasized that unauthorized vendors have no legal right to operate in areas like Nehru Place, declared as non-vending zones for public safety and security reasons. The court noted that the petitioners, Bachchu Singh and Rama Kant, were not part of any protected list of vendors authorized by the Supreme Court or eligible under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
The court's decision comes after a history of litigation involving the petitioners, who have repeatedly challenged their eviction from Nehru Place. In earlier judgments, both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court upheld the no-vending policy, only allowing vendors with protective orders to operate in the area.
Highlighting the security risks posed by unauthorized vending, the court instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to enforce the no-vending policy strictly and remove unauthorized vendors. It also directed that the costs of Rs. 10,000 be deposited with the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee.
The judgment serves as a stern reminder of the judiciary's commitment to maintaining public order and safety in commercial complexes, underscoring the importance of compliance with established regulations.
Bottom Line:
Unauthorized street vendors have no right to vend in areas declared as No-hawking and No-vending zones, such as Nehru Place District Commercial Centre.
Statutory provision(s): Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, Sections 3(3), 4
Bachchu Singh v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2874727
