The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed all States and Union Territories to protect the livelihoods and human rights of street vendors, hawkers, potters, local vendors and small traders during the upcoming Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities.
The direction comes after complaints about the unnecessary removal of vendors, seizure of their goods, fines and harassment in different cities. The NHRC has asked authorities to ensure that vendors are not unnecessarily deprived of their livelihood during the festive period.
Vocal for Local
The NHRC has asked States and Union Territories to ensure that local vendors and small traders are not unnecessarily evicted or prevented from earning their livelihood during the festive season.
The Commission has also directed authorities to:
- Avoid unnecessary eviction of vendors during Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja.
- Prevent taking vendors’ goods without proper reason.
- Avoid unnecessary action, fines or other measures against vendors.
- Deal with complaints of harassment, extortion or undue interference according to law.
- Support local vendors, traditional occupations and locally manufactured products in the spirit of “Vocal for Local.”
The NHRC has also asked local administrations to promote local vendors, traditional occupations and locally manufactured products.
This is particularly relevant during festivals when small traders, artisans, potters and other traditional businesses often depend on seasonal sales.
The direction therefore goes beyond preventing eviction and also highlights the importance of allowing local businesses to benefit from the festive demand.
When Can Vendors Be Relocated?
The NHRC has recognised that some locations may have to be cleared for fire safety or public safety.
In such cases, authorities can require vendors to vacate the location. However, where relocation is necessary, the Commission has directed that suitable alternative vending spaces should be provided.
The focus is therefore on avoiding unnecessary displacement while allowing genuine safety requirements to be addressed.
Why Has the NHRC Issued This Direction?
The Commission had also dealt with complaints during the previous festive season concerning the treatment of local vendors and hawkers.
According to reports, the earlier complaints included allegations of forced removal, seizure of goods, fines and harassment. The NHRC had directed the concerned authorities to examine the allegations and take appropriate action.
The Commission has now issued fresh directions after finding that its intervention was again required to protect the livelihood and human rights of local vendors during the festive season.
Directions for Local Authorities
The directions are not limited to municipal bodies.
The NHRC has asked the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to ensure that the directions are widely circulated among District Magistrates, municipal authorities, police and other officials concerned.
The aim is to ensure that officials involved in regulating street vending are aware of the directions and implement them effectively.
The Existing Vending Rules
The NHRC direction should not be read as removing the existing rules governing street vending.
Authorities can continue to regulate vending for legitimate reasons such as public safety, fire access and other applicable restrictions. The Commission’s focus is on preventing unnecessary eviction, harassment and arbitrary action against vendors.
In Chennai, street vending is already governed by a notified framework following directions of the Madras High Court. The Greater Chennai Corporation has identified 150 vending zones and 188 non-vending zones across the city, with unauthorised vendors and footpath encroachments subject to removal according to law.
Vendors operating in public spaces may be shifted to designated vending areas where applicable. This existing framework will continue alongside the NHRC’s latest direction to protect vendors from unnecessary eviction and harassment.
Check out the complete list in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette Extraordinary No. 401 dated July 24, 2025. pg: 5 -14 and pg: 19-29
Reports to Be Submitted
The NHRC has directed States and Union Territories to ensure implementation of the directions.
It has also asked for additional or complete Action Taken Reports in pending matters by October 18, 2026. This will allow the Commission to assess the action taken by the concerned authorities.
The Key Takeaway
The NHRC’s direction is essentially about protecting the livelihood of small vendors during an important earning period.
It does not mean that vendors can operate without restrictions. Where genuine fire-safety or public-safety concerns exist, relocation may be necessary. But authorities have been asked to avoid arbitrary eviction, seizure of goods and harassment and, where relocation is necessary, provide suitable alternative vending spaces.
The key requirement is to maintain a balance: legitimate vendors should not face unnecessary harassment or eviction, while public safety, emergency access and existing vending regulations must continue to be respected.