The Meghalaya High Court has said that vendors without license will not be allowed to vend in Police Bazar. At the same time they are allowed to apply for vending license. A division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh while hearing a PIL today also said that the vendors will have to shift to the new site arranged for them by the Shillong Municipal Board and if they failed to do so they shall be evicted.
The High Court also appointed senior lawyer Subhasis Chakrawarty as special officer to monitor the implementation of the court’s order. The court said the special officer in consultation with the general secretary of the association, the local and police authorities will prepare a list of authorised or licensed vendors, stated to be around 349. “The Special Officer with his vast knowledge, experience, maturity and tact shall ensure that our orders in this public interest litigation are implemented without any breach of peace or commission of any offence,” the court said.
The court directed that vendors with license will be allowed to vend with alternate timings between 12.30 pm to 2 pm and 7: 30 pm to 9 pm, subject to the undertaking given by the general secretary of the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) that the vendors will not exceed the time limit to ensure that there is no disruption in traffic flow or movement of people.