The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the administrations of all states and Union Territories to ensure that hawkers, street vendors and small traders are not arbitrarily evicted or harassed during the upcoming festive season.

In a press release issued on Monday, the NHRC said it had received several complaints alleging that hawkers were being removed from various cities during the festive shopping season.

Their goods were allegedly being confiscated, while some vendors were also being slapped with hefty fines.

Taking note of the complaints, the commission said local hawkers and street vendors should not be unnecessarily removed during Navratri, Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja.

Their livelihoods should not be disrupted in the name of managing crowds or clearing public spaces, it said.

The NHRC further directed authorities to make alternative arrangements for vendors if any area needs to be cleared for public convenience.

It also cautioned against arbitrary confiscation of hawkers' goods and belongings.

The commission's intervention comes ahead of a busy festive shopping period, when thousands of small traders and street vendors depend on increased footfall for their seasonal earnings.

Similar complaints were also reported during last year's festive season, following which the NHRC had issued a similar advisory to state and Union Territory administrations.

NHRC's key directions to states, UTs

  • Do not arbitrarily evict hawkers and street vendors during the festive season.
  • Do not disrupt their livelihoods without valid reasons.
  • Provide alternative vending spaces if an area must be cleared for public convenience.
  • Do not arbitrarily confiscate vendors' goods.
  • Avoid imposing excessive fines or penalties on vendors.
  • Ensure protection of hawkers during Navratri, Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja.