The Meghalaya High Court has directed authorities in Shillong to launch an immediate crackdown on unlicensed street vendors operating in the bustling Laitumkhrah area, after a municipal report revealed widespread illegal vending without proper documentation. A bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh issued the order during a hearing on August 29, where the court took note of a Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) report that exposed serious lapses in regulatory oversight. According to the report, none of the 122 vendors identified in Laitumkhrah possessed valid vending certificates. Of these, only 22 were found to be “eligible” under government schemes, but even they lacked licenses. Adding to the confusion, another 48 individuals also claimed to be street vendors, bringing the tally of unlicensed operators to well over 150.
The judges termed the situation “regulatory chaos” and ordered the SMB to complete a thorough survey of the Laitumkhrah market within three weeks. The survey must include full details of each vendor, including their name, type of goods sold, area occupied, and duration of business operations.In addition, the High Court has asked the police to maintain strict vigilance in the area to ensure that no new vendors are allowed to set up shop until further orders. Pending license applications must be processed within eight weeks, and eligible vendors who have not yet applied should be given an opportunity to do so in line with legal procedures.
Recognising the importance of balancing livelihoods with urban planning, the court has also instructed the state government and SMB to identify a suitable relocation site for licensed vendors. This would allow legitimate traders to operate in a regulated environment without contributing to congestion in Laitumkhrah.