New Delhi, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : The Delhi High Court has officially declared the majority of the Nehru Place District Center as a ‘No-Hawking and No-Vending Zone.’ This ruling, delivered on October 6, 2026, allows 90 identified vendors to operate from alternative locations until the Town Vending Committee-II makes a decision regarding their vending rights.
Justices Pratibha M. Singh and Dinesh Bhatt presided over the case, which involved multiple petitions related to hawking and vending activities in the Nehru Place area. The court noted that photographs submitted from September 26 provided clear evidence supporting the need for this designation.
The ruling takes into account protections afforded to certain vendors under the Street Vendors Act of 2014 and a recent Supreme Court decision. It emphasizes the necessity of providing alternative working options for vendors displaced from the ‘No-Vending Zone.’
According to the court, if street vendors are found operating within the ‘No-Vending Zone,’ it is the responsibility of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) or the relevant authority to assist them in relocating to designated ‘Vending Zones.’ This measure aims to ensure that vendors have viable options to sustain their livelihoods.
The High Court referenced a Supreme Court ruling from April 9, 2026, which mandated that the removal of vendors should be conducted with care, fairness, and responsibility. Authorities are expected to actively assist vendors in transitioning to approved vending areas.
The bench discovered that over 400 vendors were currently operating in the Nehru Place District Center, with many lacking proper authorization. They identified 90 vendors who are entitled to necessary protections or recognition.
The court specified that, apart from a designated section marked as ‘X,’ the entire Nehru Place District Center is now classified as a ‘No-Hawking and No-Vending Zone.’
Furthermore, the court has authorized the Delhi Municipal Corporation to remove all unauthorized vendors from the area after October 12. The Delhi Fire Service has also been instructed to inspect the Nehru Place District Center following the removal of these vendors and to submit a compliance report.
Additionally, the Delhi Police has been directed to collaborate with the MCD and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to ensure adherence to the court’s decision. The matter will be reviewed again on November 30, focusing on the compliance report submitted by the Delhi Fire Service.
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