Removed From Kalkaji Mandir, Vendor May Vend Only As Mobile Seller Under CoV Terms: Delhi HC

The petitioner, a street vendor holding a provisional Certificate of Vending (CoV) for “Food, snack preparation (goods)” in the Kalkaji area, was removed by Delhi Police from vending outside Kalkaji Mandir on 15 September 2026.

He sought permission to vend from the footpath near Aastha Kunj Road, Kalkaji Mandir Chowk.

The Court noted that the CoV did not designate him as a stationary vendor and set out the conditions governing his vending activities.

Article 226 of the Constitution of India provides the basis for the Court’s writ jurisdiction.

The petitioner’s vending was governed by the terms and conditions of his CoV, including requirements concerning the designated vending period and zone, pedestrian access, hygiene, and the restriction that mobile vendors may not remain at a place for more than 30 minutes or such time as the TVC prescribes.

The Court also made its directions subject to a vending plan that TVC-II may frame under Section 21 of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and to the Delhi Street Vendors Scheme, 2019.

Because the petitioner’s CoV covered food and snack preparation but did not classify him as a stationary vendor, the Court held that he could operate only as a mobile vendor and in accordance with the CoV’s conditions.

The Court therefore did not grant an unconditional right to vend at the claimed site.

It made the permission conditional on compliance with the CoV and subject to the petitioner applying to TVC-II for a category change, as well as to any vending plan framed under Section 21.

The permission was also subject to the petitioner making a representation to TVC-II seeking reclassification as a stationary vendor and to any vending plan adopted by TVC-II; no vested rights could be claimed.

Pending applications, if any, were also disposed of.