Way cleared for shifting of Chandigarh's Sector 26 mandi to new site

The Supreme Court has dismissed a special leave petition (SLP) filed by the Sector 26 Sabzi Mandi Arhtiya Association against the auction of shop-cum-office (SCO) sites at the new mandi in Sector 39.

After approval by the UT Administrator, 23 fruit and vegetable SCO sites, out of 92 sites in New Grain, Fruit and Vegetable Market, Sector 39, Chandigarh, were put up for e-auction on a leasehold basis, as per the provision laid down under the Chandigarh Estate Rules. The bidding closed on March 31. Of 23 SCO sites, bids were received for 12 SCOs.

During hearing on April 1, the apex court had granted stay, due to which the award of bid was kept pending.

On resumed hearing on December 17, the apex court disposed of the SLP in favour of the Chandigarh Administration/State Agricultural Marketing Board.

The petitioners (association and traders) had stated the Chandigarh Estate Rules, 2007, cannot be applied to a mandi where shop usage is restricted to commission agents (arhtiyas) selling vegetables. They also alleged that the administration went back on its assurance that it would first accommodate the original allottees of the Sector 26 mandi, who have been operating for over 50 years, in the site allotment at the new mandi.

Earlier, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had dismissed the traders’ petition, stating that they were attempting to derail the auction process. The Sabzi Mandi Arhtiya Association and 59 traders moved the Supreme Court on March 24.

The new mandi in Sector 39 is to be developed on 75 acres. Each shop, measuring 120 square yards, had a reserve price of Rs 3.70 crore. In the first phase, 23 out of the proposed 92 SCO sites were to be auctioned.