MC Chandigarh launches enforcement drive against unauthorised vendors following Supreme Court directions; challans issued to 310 vendors

Chandigarh, December 17:- In compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today carried out a city-wide enforcement drive against unauthorised and unregistered street vendors encroaching upon public spaces, particularly in the Manimajra area.

Acting swiftly on the apex court’s order directing unauthorised vendors to vacate public land and shift to allotted sites within designated vending zones, MC Chandigarh intensified its field operations to ensure adherence to the law. The Hon’ble Supreme Court had also instructed the authorities to undertake a special drive to remove encroachments from public paths, roads and other public properties, besides submitting a compliance report through an affidavit.

As part of today’s action, enforcement teams of MC Chandigarh inspected multiple locations across the city. By 6:00 pm, a total of 310 challans had been issued to vendors found operating without registration or occupying unauthorised sites.

The action assumes significance in view of long-standing complaints regarding obstruction of pedestrian pathways, traffic congestion and misuse of public land due to illegal vending activities. The Municipal Corporation reiterated that while the rights and livelihoods of legitimate street vendors will be protected as per law, encroachment on public property and violation of vending norms will not be tolerated.

MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS has appealed to all vendors to operate only from approved vending zones and comply with the provisions of the Street Vendors Act and allied rules in the larger public interest.

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