The Delhi High Court has permitted 62 identified vendors at Nehru Place District Centre to continue vending at designated sites, subject to a decision by the Town Vending Committee (TVC) on their entitlement to Certificates of Vending and the areas in which they may vend.

The Court noted that the Nehru Place District Centre has been declared a no-hawking and no-vending zone, while certain vendors have historically enjoyed protection pursuant to court orders. The Court observed that the vendors in question had been vending in the area for several years and directed that they may vend at the specific sites identified in the site plan.

The Court directed that once the TVC is constituted, it shall decide within two months whether the 62 vendors are entitled to Certificates of Vending and, if so, the areas where they may carry on vending activities.

At the same time, the Court directed that, except for the identified vending sites, the entire Nehru Place District Centre shall remain a no-vending zone. The MCD was directed to take action within one week to enable vendors operating elsewhere in the area to remove their wares, with liberty to remove the remaining vendors thereafter.

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The Court further directed the Delhi Fire Service to inspect the Nehru Place District Centre after removal of the vendors and submit a compliance report. The Delhi Police was directed to extend necessary cooperation to the MCD and DDA in implementing the order.

The Court also clarified that persons whose names appear in the relevant affidavits filed before the Supreme Court may approach the concerned Assistant Commissioner for consideration of their claims, subject to the decision of the TVC.

The order comes against the backdrop of earlier judicial directions recognising Nehru Place District Centre as a no-hawking and no-vending zone, while preserving limited protection for vendors covered by specific court orders.