Street vendors allege evictions despite holding valid certificates

Amid rising concerns over the ongoing eviction drives in the Capital, the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) on Monday held a public hearing at the Constitution Club of India, accusing the government of violating the rights of legal street vendors under the guise of a citywide Safai Abhiyan.

The hearing drew testimonies from affected vendors and sharp criticism from civil society members, legal experts, and representatives of national commissions. NASVI alleged that street vendors holding valid Certificates of Vending (CoVs) are being forcibly removed, their carts seized, and heavy fines imposed without any notice or official seizure memos — a direct violation of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.

“Instead of being a cleanliness campaign, the Safai Abhiyan has turned into an Abhishap (curse) for street vendors,” said Arbind Singh, National Coordinator of NASVI. “Despite repeated representations, the authorities continue to carry out evictions in complete disregard of the law. It is heartbreaking to see vendors with CoVs being treated worse than animals.”

The panel included officials and representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Women, civil society organisations such as Prayas and the Foundation for Responsive Governance, as well as political representatives from the BJP and other stakeholders. Notably, Mamta Kumari from the NCW and BJP Delhi leader Rajeev Babbar assured the vendors that a dialogue would be initiated with the MCD and the Delhi Government to seek a resolution.

Street vendors from across the city recounted disturbing accounts of harassment. Shiv Kumari from Madhu Vihar, who sells pottery, said, “We have the right to earn a livelihood. Where do we go now?” Santosh from Malviya Nagar, a PM SVANidhi loan recipient, questioned how he could repay the loan if the authorities continued to evict him.

Vendors Rina Devi and Shailendra Singh alleged arbitrary confiscation of their goods and carts in Mehrauli and Malviya Nagar, respectively. Suman Lata, a widow and TVC member from Rohini Zone with a valid vending certificate, said she was evicted without explanation.

Quoting the 2014 Act, NASVI emphasised that no vendor can be evicted without proper survey, certification, and a 30-day notice. Section 27 of the Act also bars harassment by police or other authorities if the vendor is operating within legal bounds.