The complaint stated that vendors are being evicted in the name of blocking the road for firemen and ambulances. | Photo credit: Lakshmi Narayanan E
To ensure smooth business opportunities for roadside vendors, hawkers and pottery makers during the ongoing Deepavali festival, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to chief secretaries of all states and union territories asking them to prevent “harassment” of groups in the name of interference.
In a notice issued on October 17, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo quoted a complainant who alleged that street vendors were subjected to unnecessary and inhumane treatment by municipal authorities in various cities in India.
The complaint stated that vendors are being evicted in the name of blocking the road for firemen and ambulances. He added that civic bodies across the country are trying to harass traders by issuing challans/penalties to recover money. This came in the way of the sellers as their business usually took place during the Deepavali festival.
“The allegations made in the complaint prima facie appear to be a violation of the human rights of the victims,” the NHRC notification said.
The Commission therefore directed the Chief Secretaries of the States to look into the allegations contained in the complaint and directed all District Magistrates/Municipal Authorities to desist from such practices as it was against the spirit of the Government of India’s “vocal for local” initiative.
“The authorities will take measures for fire-fighting measures in accordance with the requirements of prominent places in case of any emergency. It is also directed that local vendors should be provided with suitable alternate places in case of displacement from pavements, if necessary,” the commission said.
He further directed that even the alternate places should be equipped with all security measures and the local administration should not issue any challans, penalties, seizure of goods or any harsh measures to that effect against the vendors during the ongoing holidays.
The commission also clarified that these guidelines will be implemented only during the festive season of Deepavali and should not be taken as a blanket measure throughout the year. It has also sought action taken reports (ATR) from all states and UTs within two weeks.
Published – 18 Oct 2025 21:13 IST
