Goverdhan v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi

Delhi High Court · 24 Jul 2026 · 2026:DHC:6021-DB
Prathiba M. Singh; Vikas Mahajan
W.P.(C) 10161/2026
2026:DHC:6021-DB
administrative petition_allowed Significant

AI Summary

The Delhi High Court allowed a street vendor to continue vending in a designated area subject to strict adherence to vending certificate conditions, while prohibiting vending in 'No-Vending Zones' and directing authorities to consider the vendor's grievances.

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W.P.(C) 10161/2026
HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Date of Decision: 24th July, 2026
W.P.(C) 10161/2026
GOVERDHAN .....Petitioner
Through: Ms. Sanjay Baniwal and Ms. Manisha, Advs.
VERSUS
MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF DELHI AND ORS. .....Respondents
Through: Ms. Shivangi Kumar and Mr. Animesh Verma, Advs. for R-1/MCD. (M:
8743036748)
Mr. Vivek Nagar, GP.
CORAM:
JUSTICE PRATHIBA M. SINGH JUSTICE VIKAS MAHAJAN
Prathiba M. Singh, J. (Oral)
JUDGMENT

1. This hearing has been done through hybrid mode.

2. The Petitioner is a street vendor, who has been allowed to vend in terms of the provisional Certificate of Vending (CoV) bearing No.URI:5565112. His CoV is under the category of ‘others’. He is, however, vending at 13-UB, Bangalow Road, Jawahar Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Delhi (Kesav Puram, Ward – 78 -N*).

3. The case of the Petitioner is that he is not being permitted to vend in a peaceful manner and authorities continue to cause harassment. It is stated that the Petitioner had also submitted a representation dated 21st July, 2026 to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in respect of the difficulties faced by him, however, no action has been taken in respect of the same.

4. The photographs of the Petitioner’s vend have been placed on record which are extracted below:-

5. Ms. Puja Kalra, ld. Counsel appearing for the MCD submits that Kamla Nagar area is a ‘No-Vending Zone’ and, therefore, the Petitioner cannot be permitted to vend in this area. She further submits that in Contempt Case being CONT.CAS(C) 1426/2022 titled Jawahar Nagar Block Welfare Association (Regd.) v. Union Territory of Delhi & Ors., a ld. Single Judge of this Court, vide order dated 9th July, 2026 has passed the following directions.

“2. The Station House Officer (“SHO”), Police Station Roop Nagar is present in Court and his presence is recorded. 3. Learned counsel for the MCD submits that regular action for removal of the unauthorized vendors and hawkers is being taken. 4. Per contra, learned counsel for the petitioner disputes the aforesaid statement and submits that vendors and hawkers continue to occupy the area in question, i.e., the area between G Block and F Block, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi. 5. Learned counsel for the Delhi Police submits that although Beat Constables are stationed in the area in question, however, when the said Beat Constables move away from the area, the unauthorized encroachers return and reoccupy the space. 6. Accordingly, it is directed that the Local Police shall ensure that Beat Constables remain stationed in the 500 meter stretch, which is subject matter of the present petition, from morning till evening, so as to ensure that squatters do not return and reoccupy the area for unauthorised squatting. 7. Let Status Report be filed, along with the photographs, before the next date of hearing. 8. Re-notify on 16th October, 2026.”

6. This Court has repeatedly emphasised that vendors cannot vend or hawk in ‘No-Squatting Zone’ or ‘Non-Vending Areas’. The Petitioner is vending in a ‘No-Squatting Zone’ or ‘No-Vending Area’, which is not permissible. Further, the terms and conditions of the CoV have to be strictly adhered to and the same are extracted below:

“1. Vendor shall not have any other permanent or long- term vending certificate. 2. Vending certificate is non-transferable. 3. It is mandatory for the vendor to follow the vending period and zone as determined by TVC or local body. 4. Vendor shall not give his vending certificate on rent in any way. 5. Vendor shall not have any infectious disease. 6. Vendor shall have to take care of hygiene on vending place/zone and nearby area and also take care of public health. 7. Vendor shall display copy of vending certificate on his place/vending site and will produce original documents to TVC/concerned inspector whenever required. 8. Vendor/Squatter shall insure that no hindrance be caused to pedestrian and vehicular moment. 9. Vendor shall not vend/sell any harmful, dangerous and polluted items. It should also be ensured that the quality of the products sold and services provided to the public conform to the prescribed standards of public health, hygienic conditions and safety. 10. The street vendor shall not do any unauthorized/illegal activity. 11. Mobile vendors shall not stay or vend more than 30 minutes or time prescribed by the TVC at place in a vending/squatting zone. 12. Vendors will not block footpaths and will not vend on roads. Vendor should take care of space in front of vending stalls/counters on footpath for pedestrians. 13. Vending certificate can be cancelled or suspended on the basis of violations. 14. Vendor shall not build or construct any kind of
permanent or temporary structure at vending site.
15. Seller shall adopt health and hygiene conditions as required by local laws and court orders.
16. Vendor have to follow all the conditions mentioned in Delhi Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2019”

7. Considering the category in which the Petitioner’s vending certificate has been issued, the Petitioner has to be a mobile vendor. The Petitioner would also have to adhere to all the terms and conditions of the vending certificate.

8. Considering the fact that the Petitioner is vending in a non-squatting zone, let the concerned Assistant Commissioner, MCD identify the area where the Petitioner can vend. The terms and conditions of the vending certificate shall be strictly adhered to. In addition, the following conditions shall be adhered:i) The Petitioner shall restrict himself to the area, where he is operating from, and shall not extend/encroach to the pedestrian areas or cause obstruction in movement of pedestrians. He shall operate as a mobile vendor; ii) The Petitioner shall also be obliged to maintain cleanliness and hygiene around the vend, which he is working from; iii) It shall be ensured that the Petitioner shall not create any third party interest in this provisional CoV and there shall be a bar on subletting or any handing over possession to any third party. iv) No permanent or temporary construction shall be carried out by the Petitioner.

9. Subject to the above, the Petitioner shall not be disturbed from carrying on the vending activities.

10. The above stated directions shall be subject to any plan which the Town Vending Committee–II may come up with in terms of Section 21 of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 and no vested rights shall be claimed.

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11. Subject to adhering to the above conditions, the Petitioner shall be allowed to continue with his vending activities.

12. Insofar as the representation of the Petitioner is concerned, the same shall be considered by the TVC-II after being constituted in accordance with law.

13. The present petition is disposed of in the said terms. Pending applications, if any, are also disposed of.

PRATHIBA M. SINGH JUDGE VIKAS MAHAJAN JUDGE JULY 24, 2026/dk/msh