Noting that the work for identification of vending zones in Shillong is satisfactory, the Meghalaya High Court on Monday asked the local municipal board to file a fresh affidavit by January 28. The government seeks to streamline the hawking business in certain areas in the Meghalaya capital, including Laitumkhrah, which is a key commercial cum residential locality. While hearing a PIL, a division bench headed by Chief Justice Soumen Sen took on record an affidavit filed by the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) furnishing details on the status of vending zones in Laitumkhrah, and observed that satisfactory progress has been made in the exercise.
According to documents submitted to the court, the Provisional Town Vending Committee examined 43 vendor claims during inspections in November. Of these, 14 vendors were already included in the published list, whilst 15 out of the remaining 29 were found to be genuine after verification and recommended for further action. The committee has resolved to finalise the list of street vendors once the government officially notifies the designated vending zones.
A sub-committee is currently formulating standard operating procedures for hearing claims and objections, working in consultation with the Hawkers’ Association. The case involves multiple public interest litigations, including PIL No. 17 of 2021 filed by Philip Khrawbok Shati against the State of Meghalaya, along with related matters concerning the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 28, 2026, directing the Shillong Municipal Board to file a further progress report before that date.