Festive Relief: NHRC Directs States and Local Bodies to Protect Street Vendors and Hawkers Across Urban and Rural Belts

NEW DELHI / PUNE: In a major relief to small traders ahead of the festive rush, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued strict directives to all States and Union Territories to safeguard the livelihoods and human rights of local vendors, street hawkers, traditional potters, and small-scale merchants during the upcoming Navratri, Diwali, and Chhath Puja celebrations.

The intervention follows widespread grievances over arbitrary evictions, heavy penalty impositions, confiscation of merchandise, and harassment by local civic and law enforcement authorities during high-footfall festive periods. Taking cognizance of these recurring complaints, an NHRC bench led by Member Shri Priyank Kanoongo emphasized that civic order cannot come at the expense of basic economic survival.

The Commission made it clear that local administrations must refrain from summarily removing vendors from their regular spots. In critical scenarios where clearing pathways is mandatory due to strict fire safety standards or public crowd management, authorities are mandated to provide designated, viable alternative vending zones rather than carrying out outright evictions.

Furthermore, the directive calls for strict legal deterrence against any arbitrary confiscation of goods, unauthorized penalties, or extortion attempts by local enforcers. Aligning with the nationwide “Vocal for Local” push, the NHRC urged civic bodies to actively support traditional artisans and indigenous seasonal produce.

All State and UT Chief Secretaries have been instructed to cascade these operational orders down to District Magistrates, municipal commissioners, and police chiefs immediately. Authorities must file their comprehensive Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on pending matters with the commission by October 18, 2026.