SC directs MCD/NDMC to finalise policy for hawkers in 4 weeks

New Delhi, Feb 6 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed the MCD and NDMC to prepare and finalise the policy for hawkers and squatters in the national capital within four weeks without ignoring the rights and interests of remaining 97.5 per cent residents of Delhi.

A Bench comprising Justices BP Singh and HS Bedi however, made it clear that no hawking or squatting shall be permitted in non-hawking and non-squatting zone under any circumstances, including Chandni Chowk.

The court also directed the SHO of the concerned areas to take immediate steps for removing the hawkers/squatters from non-hawking/non-squatting zone.

The Supreme Court also directed that the size of the site for squatting shall be 6X4 feet with open sky with no permission for alteration, addition or extension.

The court also clarified that violations of any of the conditions of 'Tehbazari' shall render that 'tehbazari' is liable to be cancelled.

The court also directed the authorities to consult RWAs, Delhi metro and Delhi fire services before finalising the policy for hawkers in public interest.

The MCD and NDMC shall also give details of the width of the road and the size of the pavement left for pedestrians before permitting hawking and squatting, which must be carried on without causing inconvenience to the residents of the areas concerned.

Adjourning the hearing till March 28, the court also made it clear that the authorities will have the liberty to relocate any of the tehbazari holders to any other area in public interest.

There are about three lakh hawkers in the city. The court rejected the suggestion for permitting hawking and squatting in public parks.

The court also directed that tehbazari shall not be transferable to anybody else and in case of the death of the hawkers/squatters, his legal heir, dependent on him, shall be given the rights.

The court also took notice of the contention that taxi stands are being misused and foot paths and roads are being blocked due to chaotic parking of taxis and other vehicles.

The court also made it clear that the authorites shall identify hawking and squatting zones in the city within four weeks with relevant details such as the nature of the area--whether it is residential or commercial-- width of road and the space left for pedestrians.

The court also banned the cooking of food in the areas but permitted the sale of cooked food.

The court also directed the authorities not to permit any permanent structure to the squatters/hawkers and said weekly bazaars on weekly holidays or on festivals shall be permitted.

UNI