The Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Police to carry out a comprehensive verification of all hawkers and their assistants across the city, including those suspected to be illegal immigrants, reported news agency PTI.
Court orders identity verification drive
A bench of Justices A S Gadkari and Kamal Khata instructed authorities to verify the identity of all individuals engaged in hawking activities or working as helpers, reported PTI.
The court specifically said that verification should include persons alleged to be non-Indian nationals, including suspected Bangladeshis.
“If any person is found to be an illegal immigrant, appropriate action shall be taken in accordance with law, including repatriation,” the court stated, reported PTI.
Action on illegal hawkers
The Bombay High Court also directed the BMC to conduct a detailed inspection of all vendors operating on roads and footpaths to ensure compliance with regulations, reported PTI.
Authorities have been asked to determine whether stalls obstruct pedestrian movement or vehicular traffic and take necessary action.
Only eligible hawkers allowed
The court noted that approximately 99,000 individuals have already been identified as eligible to carry out hawking activities in Mumbai.
It directed that only these authorised hawkers be permitted to operate, strictly in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
“All others shall be removed forthwith,” the bench said, underlining the need for strict enforcement, reported PTI.
Focus on public convenience
The directions came while hearing a batch of petitions highlighting the issue of unauthorised hawkers occupying public spaces, leading to inconvenience for pedestrians and traffic congestion.
The court emphasised that public roads and footpaths must remain accessible and safe for citizens.
Civic body, police to coordinate
The BMC and Mumbai Police have been tasked with jointly implementing the directives, ensuring both regulatory compliance and law enforcement.
Wider implications
The order is expected to lead to a large-scale verification and enforcement drive across Mumbai, potentially impacting thousands of vendors and informal workers.
(With inputs from PTI)
