'Do Not Remove Street Vendors During Festive Season,' NHRC Tells States & UTs

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has instructed all states and union territories to safeguard the livelihoods and human rights of local vendors, street vendors, hawkers, potters, and small traders ahead of the upcoming Navratri, Diwali, and Chhath Puja festivities. Reports indicated instances of unnecessary removal of vendors, seizure of their goods, imposition of fines, and harassment during the previous festive season.

In response, the NHRC issued fresh directives to ensure the protection of vendors during this year's festivals as well.

The Commission emphasized that vendors should not be unlawfully evicted or stripped of their livelihoods during Navratri, Diwali, and Chhath Puja. In cases where eviction is necessary due to fire or public safety concerns, alternative vending spaces must be provided. Goods should not be seized arbitrarily or subjected to unnecessary action, and complaints of harassment, extortion, or interference should be handled according to the law.

Moreover, the Commission urged local administration to promote local vendors, traditional occupations, and locally manufactured products as part of the "Vocal for Local" initiative.

The NHRC requested Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories to disseminate these directives among district magistrates, municipal authorities, police, and other relevant officials, ensuring their effective implementation. Pending matters requiring Action Taken Reports were instructed to be submitted by October 18, 2026.