Delhi HC slams GNCTD over NDMC vending plan delay

• The Delhi High Court has warned of potential law and order issues arising from the prolonged delay in implementing a workable vending framework in Delhi.
• The NDMC Town Vending Plan remains uncertain due to objections raised by both shopkeepers and street vendors, with the Government failing to take a final decision on the plan, and the court noting its lack of action.
• The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, provides a framework for regulating street vending in Delhi, but its implementation has been slow due to the Government's inability to balance the interests of different stakeholders.

The day is not far when there will be open fights on the streets between these shopkeepers and these vendors. And the only person responsible will be the Delhi Government.

The Delhi High Court has sounded an alarm over potential law and order issues arising from the prolonged delay in implementing a workable vending framework in Delhi. The court's warning comes as the city struggles to balance the interests of street vendors and shopkeepers, with tensions simmering between the two groups. According to sources, the court has expressed concern that continued delays could lead to open fights on the streets, with the Delhi Government being held responsible for the chaos. This development is significant, given the importance of finding a solution to this long-standing issue. The court's intervention highlights the need for urgent action to address the grievances of street vendors and shopkeepers alike.

At the heart of the controversy is the NDMC Town Vending Plan, which has been mired in a complex web of issues for months. The plan was submitted by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in October 2025, but its fate remains uncertain due to objections raised by both shopkeepers and street vendors. Despite repeated directions from the court, the Delhi Government has failed to take a final decision on the plan, with the court noting its lack of action and awareness regarding the submitted plan, and directing further meetings to resolve the ongoing issues. This move has been criticized by the court, which has termed it an 'eyewash'. The court's observations suggest that the Government is unwilling to take a firm stance on the issue, preferring to pass the buck to other authorities.

The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, provides a framework for regulating street vending in Delhi. However, its implementation has been slow, with the Government struggling to balance the interests of different stakeholders. The court's directions have emphasized the need for the Government to consider objections raised by both shopkeepers and street vendors before approving the vending plan. Despite this, the Government has failed to take a final decision on the plan, instead choosing to return it for revision. This delay has led to frustration among street vendors, who feel that their livelihoods are being threatened.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential law and order issues arising from the prolonged delay in implementing a workable vending framework in Delhi, which could lead to open fights between shopkeepers and vendors.

Source: Original reporting via The Hindu