Court mandates removal of unauthorized encroachments and outlines conditions for regulated vending near Nizamuddin Railway Station.
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has directed street vendor Vinod Ram to comply with specific conditions to continue his vending activities near the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. The judgment was delivered by a Division Bench comprising Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Vikas Mahajan on July 22, 2026. The case, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution, sought relief from alleged harassment by municipal authorities and aimed to secure the petitioner’s right to vend peacefully.
The petitioner, Vinod Ram, holds a Certificate of Vending (CoV) issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for operating a food/snack outlet. However, the MCD contended that the petitioner was in violation of the CoV conditions, as evidenced by misleading photographs submitted to the court. The photographs provided by the MCD depicted the vendor occupying a large portion of the footpath with tables and chairs, which is against the regulations.
The court found the petitioner guilty of misleading the court by presenting deceptive photographs. Despite this, the court waived heavy costs considering the petitioner’s economic status, instead directing him to deposit Rs. 25,000 with the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee.
Justice Prathiba M. Singh emphasized the importance of adhering to the CoV conditions, including using small gas cylinders, restricting vending within a designated area, maintaining hygiene, and preventing unauthorized encroachments. The court also prohibited any sub-letting or creation of third-party interests in the provisional CoV.
The MCD was instructed to inspect the vendor’s compliance on July 26, 2026. If found compliant, the petitioner would be allowed to continue vending without interference.
This judgment underscores the court’s commitment to balancing the regulation of street vending with the protection of livelihood, ensuring adherence to hygiene and public space regulations.
Bottom line:-
Street Vendors Act - Duty to comply with CoV conditions - Directions issued to ensure non-encroachment, hygiene, and regulated vending practices.
Statutory provision(s): Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 Section 21
Vinod Ram v. Municipal Corporation Of Delhi, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2946504
