Festival season: No local vendor or hawker should be 'evicted or deprived of livelihood', NHRC tells states

Ahead of Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed all states and union territories to ensure protection of livelihood and human rights of local vendors, street vendors, hawkers, potters and small traders.

The NHRC’s statement came amid complaints of “unnecessary” removal of local vendors and hawkers in various cities, confiscation of their goods, imposition of fines and harassment, news agency ANI reported.

During the festive season last year, an NHRC bench headed by member Priyank Kanoong took cognizance of the matter and directed the concerned states and local bodies to look into the allegations and take necessary action.

What did the NHRC say to the states/UTs?

1. The NHRC directed that during Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja, local vendors should not be evicted unnecessarily or deprived of their livelihood.

“Where vacating is necessary for reasons of fire safety or public safety, suitable alternative sales premises should be provided,” said a statement shared by news agency ANI on X.

2. The commission also directed that the goods of the sellers should not be arbitrarily seized or subjected to unnecessary steps.

3. He added that complaints of harassment, extortion or undue interference should be dealt with in accordance with the law.

4. The NHRC also asked the local administration to promote local vendors, traditional occupations and locally produced products in the spirit of “Vocal for Local”.

The commission directed the chief secretaries of all states and union territories to ensure wide circulation of these guidelines among district magistrates, municipal authorities, police and other officials concerned and ensure their effective implementation.

The NHRC directed that additional/full action-taken reports on pending matters be submitted by October 18, 2026.