Delhi High Court Seeks Delhi Govt's Response On Implementation Of 'Street Vendors Act' & Functioning Of TVCs Under It

The Delhi High Cout recently sought reply of the Delhi Government explaining its position with regard to the implementation of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014; the formulation of the schemes whereunder, and the functioning of the TVCs (Town Vending Committees).

The Bench of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet Singh had earlier recorded its anguish on account of the non-functioning of several Town Vending Committees (TVCs) constituted under the Street Vendors Act.

"Due to the TVCs not functioning, several issues which fall for its determination remains outstanding, as a result of which, genuine hawkers and street vendors who are conferred with rights under the said Act are being harassed and others, who may not be entitled to protection under the said Act appear to be taking advantage," the Court observed.

The Court also observed that the Act was enacted in the year 2014 and, even after a passage of nearly 7 years, the TVCs have not functioned as mandated under the said Act.

"The GNCTD has been framing schemes from time to time superseding the earlier schemes, and the earlier TVCs have also been superseded," added the Court.

Further, when NDMC informed the Court that the Delhi Government has nominated some Expert Agencies for the purpose of assisting the TVC in carrying out the survey, the Court noted that it was not explained under which provision they have been appointed, and the manner in which they have been appointed.

Therefore, the Court has also sought the response of the Delhi Government on this issue as to how the so-called experts have been appointed to assist the TVCs in the conduct of the survey; who are these Expert Agencies and, how they have been selected/ empanelled.

The Court has called for the affidavit within a week. The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 12, 2021.

About the Street Vendors Act, 2014

The Street Vendors Act, 2014 was enacted to regulate street vendors in public areas and protect their rights and it defines a "street vendor" as a person engaged in vending of articles… of everyday use or offering services to the general public, in…any public place or private area, from a temporary built-up structure or by moving from place to place".

The Act also provides for the formation of Town Vending Committees in various districts so as to ensure that all street vendors which have been identified by the government, are accommodated in the vending zones subject to prevailing norms.

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order