The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the authorities in Delhi, instructing them to ensure the absence of unauthorized hawkers or street vendors within Connaught Place.

During a Friday hearing, a bench presided over by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan issued instructions to both the Delhi Police and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). They were directed to rigorously enforce a 2021 order that emphasized a "zero tolerance" policy toward any unauthorized street vendors.

The bench, which includes Justice Mini Pushkarna, expressed its concern regarding the situation that occurred in Nehru Market in 2021. During that incident, fire tenders were unable to access a building where a fire had erupted. The bench emphasized the importance of preventing a recurrence of such a situation.

"We can't have vendors in every nook and corner," the court said as it asked the authorities to come up with a protocol to deal with the re-entry of vendors even after their removal.

"NDMC and Delhi Police shall ensure that the order of this court (of October 2021) is implemented in letter and spirit," it ordered.

The court was in the process of considering a petition filed by the association representing shop owners in the Connaught Place vicinity, including Rajiv Chowk and Indira Chowk.

The petitioner requested that the authorities be directed to permanently eradicate illegal hawking and squatting/vending activities within the designated 'No Hawking' and 'No Vending' zones of Connaught Place and Connaught Circus. The aim is to maintain these areas free from encroachments by unauthorized hawkers, vendors, and squatters.

In October 2021, the court issued a "stern warning" to the NDMC and police for failing to comply with the scheme of keeping the Connaught Place area free of unauthorised vendors.

"There should be zero tolerance shown by them, and all hawkers, vendors - except the original 80 odd vendors... should be removed bag and baggage. The rule of law has to prevail, and we cannot allow the city to be taken over by illegal encroachers/vendors," the court had said.

The petitioner had also urged the authorities to install permanent boards throughout the Rajiv Chowk and Indira Chowk areas, clearly indicating that these zones are designated as "No Hawking" and "No Vending" areas.