Delhi High Court

Street Vendors Must Strictly Adhere to Mobile Vending Conditions and Avoid Obstructing Public Entry-Exit Points

Dharmendra Gupta vs Municipal Corporation Of Delhi And Ors.

Delhi High CourtJUDGMENT: July 24, 20262 MIN READSOURCE JUDGMENT
THE ORIGINAL LAWLENS SUMMARY
01

Facts

The Petitioner, a street vendor, was issued a Certificate of Vending (CoV) by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) under the category of ‘Food/Snacks Preparation (Goods)’

Source reference: p. 1-2

The Petitioner alleged that despite holding a valid CoV, he was being harassed and prevented from peacefully vending at his designated site near Gate No. 1, Durga Bai Metro Station, Satya Niketan

Source reference: p. 2

The MCD contended that the Petitioner is a mobile vendor and must strictly adhere to the terms of his CoV

Source reference: p. 3

The Petitioner sought directions to allow him to vend without interference and for the consideration of his representation dated July 9, 2026

Source reference: p. 2
02

Issues

1. Whether the Petitioner, as a holder of a Certificate of Vending, is entitled to carry out vending activities at a fixed location near a metro station entrance

Source reference: p. 3

2. Whether the Petitioner must adhere to specific conditions regarding mobility and public hygiene under the statutory scheme

Source reference: p. 3-4
03

Law Applied

Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, specifically Section 21 regarding the authority of the Town Vending Committee (TVC) to frame vending plans

Source reference: p. 4-5

Delhi Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2019, and the specific terms and conditions stipulated in the Certificate of Vending (CoV), which mandate that mobile vendors shall not stay at one place for more than 30 minutes and must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular movement

Source reference: p. 3-4
04

Reasoning

The Court observed that while the Petitioner holds a valid CoV, the location of his vend near a metro station gate could obstruct passenger movement

Source reference: p. 2-3

Applying the terms of the CoV, the Court emphasized that Clause 11 explicitly defines the Petitioner as a "mobile vendor" who cannot remain stationary for more than 30 minutes

Source reference: p. 3

To balance the Petitioner's right to livelihood with public order, the Court determined that the MCD must identify a specific area for the Petitioner to operate while ensuring he does not create permanent structures or encroach on pedestrian paths

Source reference: p. 4

The Court clarified that any current directions are provisional and subject to the final master plan to be formulated by the Town Vending Committee-II under Section 21 of the 2014 Act

Source reference: p. 4-5
05

Holding

The Court disposed of the petition by directing that the Petitioner shall not be disturbed from vending, provided he adheres to the CoV conditions

The Court ordered the Assistant Commissioner, MCD, to identify an operational area for the Petitioner within one week

Source reference: p. 4

Holding that mobility is a prerequisite, the Court restrained the Petitioner from blocking metro station exits or creating traffic

Source reference: p. 5

The Court directed that the Petitioner’s representation dated July 9, 2026, be decided by the TVC-II within three months of its constitution

Source reference: p. 5
Delhi High Court

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Dharmendra GuptavsMunicipal Corporation Of Delhi And Ors.

Delhi High Court · July 24, 2026

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