Mumbai Streets Remain Overrun by Illegal Hawkers, Despite High Court Orders

Mumbai’s streets remain crowded with unauthorised hawkers, despite a recent directive from the Bombay High Court (HC) aiming to clear these vendors from city hotspots. The HC, frustrated with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Police’s inadequate enforcement, held a hearing on November 12 to review the city’s struggle with unregulated street vendors, which they described as a “menace.” The court had previously ordered a complete removal of unauthorised hawkers from areas around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and the court precincts by November 12.

The bench, led by Justices A.S. Gadkari and Kamal Khata, voiced concerns over the persistence of illegal hawking across Mumbai, stressing that current enforcement is insufficient even in 20 key areas identified by the BMC. The court indicated that hawkers were crowding nearly every corner, from lanes to footpaths, contributing to congestion, obstructing pedestrian access, and impacting nearby businesses. In its defence, the BMC claimed to have intensified their efforts, confiscating hawker carts and setting up checkpoints in prominent areas like Horniman Circle. However, the court maintained that this sporadic enforcement, which was met with the quick return of unauthorised hawkers once authorities leave, lacked a coordinated approach between the police and civic bodies.

The state’s attorney highlighted that since 2016, a range of measures have been implemented to manage hawker regulations, but admitted that popular tourist spots such as Colaba Causeway still face issues. These areas, frequented by international visitors, have seen a rise in petty crime and severe pedestrian disruptions due to illegal hawking. The court pointed out the need for special attention in these high-traffic zones to protect tourists and surrounding businesses. Acknowledging the challenge of sustaining enforcement, the petitioner’s lawyer proposed the formation of a temporary task force to conduct thorough surveys of hawker zones. This would help distinguish between authorised and unauthorised vendors, providing the BMC with an accurate record. Furthermore, the court called for a streamlined process allowing vendors with expired licences to reapply, ensuring that only illegal hawkers are affected by enforcement.

The HC stressed the need for a dedicated, long-term solution involving both the BMC and the Mumbai Police, urging them to implement a synchronised and sustained strategy against unauthorised hawking. Without this unified action, the court cautioned, the public would continue to face safety hazards and disruptions in some of Mumbai’s busiest areas. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 12, with the court expecting progress from both the BMC and police in tackling the issue effectively.