Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Andhra Pradesh Vendors Challenge Irregular Town Vending Committees
A street vendors’ group in Andhra Pradesh says local vending committees were not created properly.
The group says vendors should elect representatives to at least 40% of the committee seats.
It alleges that representatives were nominated instead.
It also says vendors paid fees but did not receive required certificates and identity cards.
The group claims officials continued licensing activity despite a 2025 court direction.
It has asked the High Court to supervise the process.
It wants new elections and an audit of the money collected.
The allegations are now before the court.
The Andhra Pradesh Veedhi Vikrayala Karmika Federation has approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court over alleged irregularities in Town Vending Committees.
The federation alleges vendor representatives were nominated instead of being directly elected, despite vendors being required to hold at least 40% of committee seats.
It claims Town Vending Certificates and identity cards were not issued even though fees continued to be collected.
The federation says authorities disregarded a 2025 High Court order restricting new licences until a proper street vending plan was prepared.
It has sought fresh vendor elections, suspension of current committee activities, certificates for vendors, and a special audit of collections since March 2025.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh Veedhi Vikrayala Karmika Federation, led by general secretary Teddu Venkateswara Rao, has raised the allegations against state and municipal authorities.
- What
- The federation alleges violations in the formation and functioning of Town Vending Committees and seeks court intervention.
- When
- The federation referred to a 2025 High Court order and requested an audit of collections made since March 2025.
- Where
- Urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh; the matter is before the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
- Why
- The federation says vendor representatives were not transparently elected, required documents were not issued, fees were collected without adequate accounting, and licensing restrictions were not followed.
- Petitioner
- Andhra Pradesh Veedhi Vikrayala Karmika Federation, affiliated to the All India Trade Union Congress
- Court
- High Court of Andhra Pradesh
- Law cited
- Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014
- Main allegation
- Vendor representatives were nominated rather than directly elected
- Required representation
- Street vendors should constitute at least 40% of Town Vending Committees
- Requested action
- Fresh elections, committee activity suspension, vending certificates, and a special audit
- Audit period requested
- Collections since March 2025