Law, Livelihood And The Local Body: A Study Of Street Vending And Municipal Regulation In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Aug 12
- 1 min read
Himanshi Gahlaut, GGSIPU, Delhi
ABSTRACT
Street vending and hawking are integral to India’s informal urban economy, providing employment and accessible goods to millions. Despite their economic and social value, street vendors often face displacement, harassment, and inconsistent regulation. To address this, the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 was enacted, mandating structured regulation through municipal bodies.
This paper explores the municipal perspective on regulating street vending in India, focusing on the roles of Town Vending Committees (TVCs), periodic surveys, issuance of Certificates of Vending (CoVs), and the demarcation of vending zones. It critically analyses how municipalities across cities like Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Jaipur have interpreted and implemented the Act.
Key challenges such as exclusion of vendors from planning, flawed zone design, and uneven enforcement are discussed alongside landmark judicial decisions upholding vendors’ rights under Articles 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution. The paper argues for a participatory, rights-based approach, emphasizing the need for better municipal infrastructure, transparent enforcement, and inclusive governance.
In conclusion, the research highlights that municipalities must act not merely as regulators but as enablers of urban equity, balancing public order with the constitutional right to livelihood.
