New Delhi: Delhi High Court has revived a petition seeking enforcement of the no-vending and no-squatting norms in Chandni Chowk while observing that illegal vending has continued in a hazardous, chaotic and unregulated manner despite earlier court orders.
It alleged that the special task force (STF) formed in 2022 to check encroachments had become inactive and unauthorised vending and encroachments had reached alarming levels. Bhargava added that Chandni Chowk, Subhash Marg and adjoining areas were declared no-vending and no-squatting zones following Supreme Court’s directions in 2007. On April 19, 2022, the high court ordered the same.
Following the court’s directions Thursday, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Police and traffic cops decided Friday to undertake regular anti-encroachment drives in the area and verify the documents of authorised tehbazari holders, said civic officials. Sanjay Bhargava, its president, said, “The court expressed concern over the inaction of STF. The court has directed MCD and police to make three key roads, the main Chandni Chowk road from Red Fort to Fatehpuri, HC Sen Marg and Subhash Marg, free of vendors.
The directions came while hearing an application filed by Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, seeking revival of its earlier petition.