By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 6 Aug: Amidst the ongoing dispute regarding the street vending system in Mussoorie, the Municipal Council has received significant legal relief. While disposing of the writ petition filed by the ‘Rehri-Patri Kamzor Varg Kalyan Samiti’, Mussoorie, the Uttarakhand High Court (Nainital) upheld the vending-related actions taken by the Municipal Council as being in accordance with the rules and the law. The municipal administration views this court verdict as a judicial stamp of approval on its operational procedures.
The petition had sought the constitution of a Town Vending Committee (TVC), a fresh survey, and permission for street vending on Mall Road. During the hearing, Advocate Lalit Miglani, representing the municipality, informed the court that the council had adhered to all necessary procedures under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act. The municipality stated that the Town Vending Committee had been reconstituted as per regulations; a survey of eligible vendors had been completed and licenses issued; and vending zones had been designated for licensed vendors. Taking these facts on record, the court observed that the petitioners’ grievances had been addressed in accordance with the rules and, on this basis, disposed of the petition.
Gaurav Bhasin, Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, stated that the High Court’s verdict clarifies that the municipality completed the entire process in a fair, transparent manner and in compliance with the law. He noted that the constitution of the Town Vending Committee, the survey, license distribution, and the designation of vending zones were all carried out in accordance with statutory provisions. The court’s decision will further strengthen public confidence in the municipality’s functioning. She appealed to all licensed vendors to conduct their business only within the designated vending zones so that a balance could be maintained between the city’s traffic management, the convenience of tourists, and the interests of business owners.
Welcoming the court’s verdict, Municipal Council Chairperson Meera Saklani stated that the Council’s objective is not to deprive anyone of their livelihood but to establish an organized system that takes the interests of all stakeholders into account. She noted that Mussoorie is a world-class tourist destination, making it essential to strike a balance between traffic management, cleanliness, beautification, and the rights of street vendors. She affirmed that the Council would continue to operate within the legal framework and move forward by enlisting the cooperation of all stakeholders to make the city clean, beautiful, and well-organized.
