Case Note & Summary
The Supreme Court was hearing a civil appeal concerning the relocation of street vendors in Chandigarh. The Court had previously passed a detailed order on 9th April 2026 recognizing that the State's efforts had borne some fruit but emphasizing that any State action must ensure minimum disruption of livelihood with fairness and responsibility. The Court directed that if vending zones are identified, authorities must give vendors adequate support to relocate, acknowledging that relocation disrupts customers and deprives residents of proximate access. On 5th May 2026, the Court directed certain officials of the respondent union territory to be present in Court, including the Chairperson (Commissioner) of the Town Vending Committee, Chandigarh; the Chairperson of GRDRC, Chandigarh; and the Secretary, Local Government & Home, Chandigarh. The Court also perused the note of the amicus curiae, Mr. Anant Vijay Palli, senior counsel. An affidavit was filed by the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh on that date, in addition to an earlier affidavit dated 25th April 2026. The affidavit submitted that the Municipal Corporation website displays the details of each relocated vendor through a searchable list; numerous anti-encroachment drives were carried out resulting in approximately 5400 challans, with about 1150 pertaining to the Manimajra area; and the total number of registered vendors is 10939, divided into categories including ESP, Mobile, and N-ESP. The Court's analysis focused on the need for the State to act fairly and responsibly, ensuring that vendors are supported during relocation and that the impact on their livelihood and customer access is minimized. The decision directed the State to continue its efforts with due regard to these principles.
Headnote
A) Street Vending - Relocation of Vendors - Minimum Disruption of Livelihood - Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 - The Court considered the efforts made by the State to relocate street vendors and directed that any act by the State must ensure minimum disruption of livelihood with fairness and responsibility. The Court held that if zones are identified, authorities must give vendors adequate support to relocate, recognizing that relocation disrupts customers and deprives residents of proximate access. (Paras 1-2) B) Street Vending - Compliance and Monitoring - Affidavits and Presence of Officials - Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 - The Court directed officials of the respondent union territory to be present in Court and perused the note of the amicus curiae. An affidavit was filed by the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh detailing the number of registered vendors (10939), challans issued (approximately 5400), and the display of relocated vendor details on the Municipal Corporation website. (Paras 2-3)
Issue of Consideration
Whether the State's actions in relocating street vendors ensure minimum disruption of livelihood with adequate sense of fairness and responsibility, and whether adequate support is provided for relocation.
Final Decision
The Court directed the State to continue its efforts with due regard to ensuring minimum disruption of livelihood, fairness, and responsibility in the relocation of street vendors. The Court also noted the information provided in the affidavit and the presence of officials.
Law Points
- Street vending rights
- relocation of vendors
- minimum disruption of livelihood
- fairness and responsibility of State
- identification of vending zones
- support for relocation
- access to vendors for residents
