SC reserves order on issuing directions for regulating hawkers

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its order on the issue of delivering directions for implementation of separate schemes, prepared by the two civic bodies, MCD and NDMC, for regulating the hawkers and squatters in the capital.

A Bench comprising Justices BP Singh and HS Bedi recorded the objections and suggestions put forward by various associations of hawkers, traders, residents welfare associations and NGOs.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) have prepared the schemes for regulating various activities of hawkers and squatters.

Both the civic bodies in their schemes clearly stated the areas which falls in the hawking and non-hawking zones and has said that the role of Delhi Police was pivotal in making the policy a reality.

The court has also emphasised that people of Delhi should get healthy and hygenic food and favoured the plan of civic bodies to establish food courts with proper facilities.

While there was support from an NGO for allowing the historical weekly markets from the traditional places, the residents welfare association opposed it.

Some of the hawkers associations and NGOs have drawn the attention of the court on the existence of mafia in running the hawkers market at different places in the capital.

The court during the hearing made it clear that the interest of the common people and padestrians will be taken care of while issuing the direction as it was this section of citizens who were not before it.