Supreme Court Quashes Chandigarh Notification on Street Vendors

The Supreme Court of India in New Delhi on Wednesday quashed a 2020 notification issued by the Chandigarh administration that had expanded the definition of "essential service providers" to include certain street vendors outside religious places. The ruling came on a plea seeking the eviction of street vendors from the Manimajra locality.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh noted that the notification, dated July 17, 2020, was issued under the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The court ruled that the policy has since outlived its object, purpose, and utility.

With the quashing of the 2020 order, the court stated that the earlier notification would govern the field. The bench directed that recently identified vending zones be made fully operational and that the shifting of licensed vendors to these locations be carried out at the earliest.

According to the order, city officials must monitor the vending zones daily to ensure smooth functioning. The authorities must also install road signage in all languages of daily use and establish public amenities in each zone immediately, ensuring their proper upkeep.

To inform the public about the vending zones and their associated timings, the court directed the administration to place regular advertisements in both print and electronic media.

The bench also noted that the process of issuing smart cards to all vendors is a welcome step that should be completed swiftly.

To ensure safety and security for both buyers and sellers, the court ordered the installation of CCTV cameras within six months, with adequate video storage provisions. The bench also advised the authorities to consider establishing a helpline for vendors and buyers to boost confidence and trust in the regulation of the vending areas.