Delhi High Court’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ Order: Crackdown on Illegal Hawkers in Connaught Place
The Delhi High Court has taken a stern stance on the issue of illegal hawkers in one of the city’s busiest markets, Connaught Place. In a recent hearing, the court directed the police and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to ensure that there are no unauthorized hawkers or vendors in the area. The court stressed the need for a zero tolerance approach towards these vendors, citing a previous incident where fire tenders couldn’t access a building due to encroachments.
We can’t have vendors in every nook and corner, the court emphasized, urging the authorities to come up with a protocol to prevent re-entry of vendors after their removal. The NDMC and Delhi Police have been ordered to implement the court’s previous order of October 2021 strictly.
The court’s directive came in response to a petition filed by the association of traders and shop owners in Connaught Place, specifically Rajiv Chowk and Indira Chowk. The petition sought the authorities’ intervention in permanently stopping illegal hawking and squatting/vending activities in the No Hawking and No Vending zones in Connaught Place, thereby keeping the area free from encroachments.
This is not the first time the court has addressed the issue of unauthorized vendors. In October 2021, the court had issued a warning to the NDMC and Police for their failure to comply with the scheme of keeping Connaught Place free from unauthorized vendors. It emphasized the need for zero tolerance and the removal of all hawkers and vendors, except for the original authorized few. The court also directed the authorities to display permanent boards in Rajiv Chowk and Indira Chowk, clearly indicating that these areas are designated as no hawking and no vending zones.
The crackdown on illegal vendors in Connaught Place is part of an ongoing effort to maintain order and ensure the safety and convenience of the public. By implementing this ‘zero tolerance’ order, the court aims to keep the city from being overrun by illegal encroachers and vendors. Not only will this improve the overall ambiance of Connaught Place, but it will also create a safer environment by preventing incidents like the one where fire tenders were unable to reach their destination due to unauthorized encroachments.
The court’s order has received mixed reactions. While traders and shop owners in Connaught Place welcome the crackdown on illegal hawkers, some have raised concerns about the availability of alternative spaces for these vendors. It remains to be seen how the authorities will address these concerns and strike a balance between maintaining law and order and providing opportunities for legitimate vending.
In conclusion, the Delhi High Court’s ‘zero tolerance’ order regarding illegal hawkers in Connaught Place sends a strong message to both unauthorized vendors and the authorities responsible for maintaining law and order. By strictly enforcing the removal of unauthorized encroachments and implementing measures to prevent their re-entry, the court aims to create a more organized and safe environment for all. However, it remains important for the authorities involved to consider the concerns and requirements of all stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach to this issue.
