New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a significant ruling aimed at easing congestion at one of the Capital’s busiest transit hubs, the Delhi High Court has directed the removal of all unauthorised street vendors operating outside Anand Vihar ISBT. The court cited severe traffic congestion, encroachment of pedestrian pathways and repeated violations of vending norms in an area witnessing lakhs of commuters every day.


The court made it clear that only 105 vendors, who were found eligible in an official survey and possess provisional Certificates of Vending (CoV), will be allowed to continue operations — that too under stringent conditions.
Action to Begin From January 31


According to civic authorities, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will begin enforcement action from January 31. Vendors have been given six days’ time to remove their goods voluntarily, failing which coercive measures will be taken.
Survey Reveals Permanent Encroachments


Referring to the findings of a long-pending survey conducted under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, the High Court observed that many vendors had exceeded the limits of their provisional permissions, erecting permanent, shop-like structures that spilled onto footpaths and choked access roads.


The court noted:
“Anand Vihar is not merely a marketplace but a critical transit hub where ISBT, Indian Railways, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Kaushambi bus stand together generate massive daily footfall.”


Main Roads Declared Non-Hawking Zones
The High Court underlined that major roads around Anand Vihar fall under ‘non-hawking areas’ as per MCD policy, and vendors in the bus terminal zone were not adhering to the conditions of the CoVs issued to them.


Recognised Vendors Limited to Mobile Carts
Even the recognised vendors, the court ruled, will be restricted to mobile carts only, with no permanent structures permitted under any circumstances. After the clearance drive, vendors may approach the assistant commissioner of MCD for guidance on designated vending spots.


Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan Ordered
In a broader directive, the High Court instructed MCD to re-plan and beautify the entire stretch, focusing on:
Unhindered pedestrian movement
Service roads for autos, cabs and rickshaws
Decongestion of traffic
Improved sanitation facilities
Organised shops, cafes and resting areas without disrupting passenger flow


MCD has been asked to submit a detailed redevelopment and beautification plan by March 10, with the assistance of an architect. The court also indicated that PWD architects may be roped in for the project, if required.