Karnataka HC grants relief to KR Market footpath vendors pending certificate process
The Karnataka High Court allowed about 309 KR Market footpath vendors to operate in open spaces within the market premises while surveying and certificate issuance proceed, prohibiting structures and hindering vehicle access. The court also directed them to apply for street vending certificates unde
Key takeaways
- The High Court intervened to allow vendors to continue business temporarily within KR Market premises.
- No structures may be erected and vehicle access must remain unobstructed.
- Vendors are to apply for street vending certificates under existing state and national schemes.
What Happened
The Karnataka High Court directed the Greater Bengaluru Authority to permit around 309 members of the K.R. Market Footpath Vegetable and General Merchants Association to continue their trade in the open spaces within KR Market premises. This allowance remains in place until authorities complete surveying of street vendors and issue the appropriate street vending certificates under the applicable laws.
The court imposed conditions: no temporary or permanent structures may be erected at the vending spots, and vending activities must not block entry or exit routes for vehicles within the market. Access to the market must remain unobstructed.
The order was issued as the court disposed of a petition by the association, which claimed it was being evicted without due process or adherence to a 2019 directive that required authorities to consider the association’s representation. The court also encouraged the association’s members to apply for street vending certificates through the Temporary Town Vending Committee established under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 and the Karnataka Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood, Regulation of Street Vending and Licensing) Scheme 2020.
Officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority contended that the petitioning group occupies open areas and access points designated for vehicular movement, including ambulances and fire-fighting vehicles, and that none of the members currently hold street vending certificates.
Why It Matters
The court’s directions create a temporary operational space for street vendors within a major market while formal licensing processes proceed. The decision balances vendor livelihoods with the market’s need to maintain vehicle access and safety around emergency services lanes.
Background
The dispute centers on vending rights and the process for issuing street vending certificates under national and state frameworks enacted to regulate street commerce. The 2019 directive referenced by the petitioner required authorities to consider representations from the association before taking eviction or displacement actions. The 2014 Act and 2020 scheme govern the licensing and regulation of street vendors in Karnataka.
Key Facts
- About 309 members of the K.R. Market Footpath Vegetable and General Merchants Association were involved in the case.
- The High Court allowed them to continue operating in open spaces within KR Market premises.
- The permission applies until the surveying of vendors and issuance of street vending certificates is completed.
- Vendors must not construct temporary or permanent structures in their current spots.
- Vendors must not obstruct vehicle entry/exit to the market, including access for ambulances and fire vehicles.
- Vendors are urged to apply for certificates via the Temporary Town Vending Committee under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 and the Karnataka scheme of 2020.
- The GBA argued that none of the petitioners hold street vending certificates and that they occupy spaces designated for vehicular movement.
- The order responds to a 2019 court directive requiring consideration of the association’s representations before eviction or displacement actions.
What Happens Next
The association’s members are to pursue certificate applications through the committee mechanism established under the relevant acts and schemes. Authorities will continue surveying vendors and processing certificates, while the market’s vehicular access and emergency lanes must remain unobstructed as per the court’s order.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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