Meghalaya HC takes cognizance of hawkers paying fees to private persons

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 16, 2022

The Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to look into the issue of hawkers taking over footpaths and the alleged paying of fees to private persons as protection money to set up shop.

In its order passed while hearing a petition on this matter, the two-member bench has decided to defer the hearing to August 24, after the state said that the formulation of its rules (to regulate street vending) has not yet been completed.  

The order however said the court takes a dim view of hawkers taking over footpaths and pedestrian walkways virtually all over Shillong and Tura, the two main cities in the State and even elsewhere.

It said there are also reports of hawkers being required to pay fees to private persons to set up shop, almost by way of protection money.

Accordingly, the court has directed the state to look into this matter.

“The State is urged to look into this matter and deal with it with appropriate strictness,” it said.

The petition was filed by the Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers & Street Vendors Association (M&GSPH&SVA).