The Meghalaya High Court has directed the State Government to submit, by July 1, a detailed affidavit outlining the steps taken to implement the Meghalaya State Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 17 of 2021) filed by Philip Khrawbok Shati, seeking regulation of street vending, identification of vending zones, relocation of vendors, decongestion of roads, and better traffic management to help modernize and improve the city of Shillong.

In its previous order dated May 8, the Court had recorded the State's action report on earlier directions. Subsequently, the petitioner filed a response affidavit on June 2, which the Court noted contained valid concerns.

“It appears that although the government has taken steps for registration of authorised vendors, identification and allocation of vending zones, and prepared a plan to erect several hundred stalls, the 2023 scheme has not been implemented. As a result, illegal occupation of roads and footpaths continues,” the Bench observed.

The Court highlighted the serious risk posed to schoolchildren, who are often forced to walk on roads due to encroached footpaths, thereby exposing themselves to traffic hazards.

Counsel for the State submitted that the government is keen to implement the scheme expeditiously.

The Court has adjourned the matter to July 3 and directed the State to file an affidavit demonstrating compliance with its previous orders and the effective execution of the 2023 Street Vending Scheme.