Balancing Resident Rights and Vendor Livelihood: Weekly Market Relocation Ordered to Alleviate Congestion

1. Case Snapshot

• Case Name: Residents Welfare Association & Ors. vs Municipal Corporation of Delhi & Anr.

• Citation: 2026:DHC:5973-DB

• High Court: High Court of Delhi

• Bench: Hon'ble Ms. Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Vikas Mahajan

• Date of Decision: July 23, 2026

• Area of Law: Municipal Law – Street Vendors; Public Interest; Weekly Markets; Right to Livelihood vs Right to Peaceful Living

2. Judgment in Brief

The Delhi High Court ordered the relocation of a weekly Monday market from a residential area in Shalimar Bagh to an alternative site at Kela Godown Road. The Court found that the market caused severe congestion, obstructed emergency vehicles, and harassed residents. The MCD identified a suitable alternative site 1.25 km away. The Court directed relocation with strict conditions: only 300 authorized vendors to operate, each with verified Certificates of Vending, restricted to 6x4 ft. spaces, increased fee of Rs. 1,000 per vendor per day, and KYC verification. The Court balanced the vendors' right to livelihood under the Street Vendors Act with residents' right to peaceful living.

3. Relevant Facts

• A weekly Monday market was held at BH Block, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, with 300 authorized vendors, but over 800-1200 vendors were operating.

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