NHRC Directs States to Protect Street Vendors
Commission calls for safeguards against eviction, arbitrary seizure and harassment during Navratri, Diwali and ChhathCommission asks authorities to prevent arbitrary eviction, seizure and harassment of street vendors during Navratri, Diwali and Chhath
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Oct: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed all States and Union Territories to ensure the protection of the livelihoods and human rights of local vendors, street vendors, hawkers, potters and small traders during the upcoming Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities.
The directions follow complaints alleging unnecessary removal of vendors and hawkers from various cities, seizure of their goods, imposition of fines and harassment during the festive season.
The NHRC said that during last year’s festive season, its bench headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo had taken cognizance of the matter and directed the concerned States and local authorities to examine the allegations and take necessary action.
The Commission has now observed that its intervention is again required to ensure the protection of vendors’ livelihoods and human rights during the festive period.
Alternative spaces ordered where relocation is necessary
The NHRC has directed authorities to ensure that local vendors are not unnecessarily evicted or deprived of their livelihoods during Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Where vacating a location becomes necessary because of fire safety or public safety concerns, authorities have been asked to provide suitable alternative vending spaces.
The Commission has also directed that vendors’ goods should not be arbitrarily seized or subjected to unnecessary action.
Complaints concerning harassment, extortion or undue interference with vendors should be dealt with in accordance with law, the NHRC said.
Focus on ‘Vocal for Local’
The Commission has further asked local administrations to promote local vendors, traditional occupations and locally manufactured products in the spirit of “Vocal for Local.”
The directions seek to ensure that festive arrangements and public safety measures do not unnecessarily affect the livelihoods of small traders and informal workers.
Directions circulated to district and civic authorities
The NHRC has directed the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to ensure wide circulation of its directions among District Magistrates, municipal authorities, police and other concerned officials.
The authorities have also been asked to ensure effective implementation of the directions during the festive period.
The Commission has directed that additional Action Taken Reports in pending matters be submitted by October 18, 2026.
The NHRC’s intervention comes ahead of the festive season, when vendors, hawkers, potters and small traders typically depend on increased demand for a significant part of their seasonal income.
