Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Delhi Vendors Seek Protection From Evictions Before BRICS Summit
Delhi street vendors are worried that their stalls could be removed before an important BRICS meeting.
Their association met Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to ask for protection.
The association said about 800 to 900 vendors joined the delegation.
It said laws give Town Vending Committees an important role in deciding where vendors can work.
The vendors also referred to a Delhi High Court order about provisional vending certificates.
They said vendors following the conditions of those certificates should not be stopped or harassed before final decisions are made.
They want vending fees to be official, receipted, and collected transparently.
They said illegal encroachments and blocked traffic should be addressed, but lawful vending should not automatically be treated as illegal.
The Indian Hawkers Association asked Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to prevent vendors’ eviction or displacement ahead of the BRICS Summit.
The association said around 800 to 900 vendors accompanied its delegation to the Raj Niwas area, according to Telegraph India.
Vendors cited the Street Vendors Act, 2014, the Delhi Street Vendors Scheme, 2019, and a May 19, 2026 Delhi High Court order.
The association said vendors with provisional Certificates of Vending should not be harassed before Town Vending Committees finalize vending zones and issue final certificates.
Vendors demanded lawful, officially prescribed fees with receipts and transparency, while supporting action against genuine encroachments, traffic obstruction, and rule violations.
- Who
- The Indian Hawkers Association, Delhi street vendors, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Town Vending Committees.
- What
- The vendors sought intervention against alleged evictions and displacement and requested protection for vendors operating under provisional certificates.
- When
- The delegation met on Thursday, ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12 and 13; it cited a Delhi High Court order dated May 19, 2026.
- Where
- The delegation met in the Raj Niwas area of New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The vendors wanted the administration to follow the prescribed legal process, protect livelihoods, and establish transparent vending-fee collection while addressing genuine violations.
Vendors’ Position
Enforcement Considerations
Evictions and legal process
Vendors’ Position
The Indian Hawkers Association alleged that vendors were being removed or displaced and asked that they not be evicted without following the prescribed legal process.
Enforcement Considerations
The association acknowledged that authorities should address genuine encroachments, traffic obstruction, and violations of rules.
Role of Town Vending Committees
Vendors’ Position
The association said Town Vending Committees should finalize vending zones, authorized vendors, vending sites, and conditions before vendors are removed.
Enforcement Considerations
The articles report no direct response from the administration, but describe enforcement concerns involving encroachments, traffic obstruction, and rule violations.
Treatment of provisional certificate holders
Vendors’ Position
The association said the Delhi High Court order indicated that vendors operating under provisional Certificates of Vending should not be harassed or prevented from vending until final decisions are made.
Enforcement Considerations
The articles do not state a separate official position on provisional certificate holders, while noting that vending remains subject to the conditions of those certificates.
- Delegation
- Indian Hawkers Association
- Delhi Lieutenant Governor
- Taranjit Singh Sandhu
- Reported delegation size
- Around 800 to 900 vendors, according to Telegraph India
- Summit
- 18th BRICS Summit
- Summit dates
- September 12 and 13 in New Delhi
- Legal framework
- Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and Delhi Street Vendors Scheme, 2019
- Fee demand
- Officially prescribed fees, receipts, and a transparent collection system
