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The Bombay High Court has raised concerns over the continued presence of illegal hawkers near Goregaon railway station and questioned the BMC and police on enforcement gaps. The issue was brought by a traders association citing business losses, obstruction and safety concerns. The court asked authorities to explain the lack of sustained action despite repeated complaints over the years. It also sought details on measures taken against repeat offenders. The matter forms part of a larger ongoing review of hawker regulation and implementation of the Street Vendors Act in Mumbai.
The Bombay High Court has pulled up the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the police over the continued presence of illegal hawkers near Goregaon railway station, raising concerns about weak enforcement in one of the city's busy suburban areas. Advertisement
The matter came up following a petition filed by the Goregaon Merchants Association, which represents around 1,200 shopkeepers. The association informed the court that unauthorised hawkers have been occupying footpaths and spaces outside shops, affecting regular business activity and restricting access for customers. It pointed out that the situation has persisted for years despite repeated complaints to civic authorities and the police.
During the hearing, the court questioned the authorities on why effective and consistent action had not been taken. It indicated that periodic removal drives without long-term control measures were not sufficient. The bench also asked the police to clarify what action had been taken on complaints and whether stricter steps, including action against repeat offenders, were being considered.
The state government submitted that action is taken from time to time with the support of the police and that hawkers are removed during such drives. It also stated that there is no clear legal provision to detain hawkers, which limits enforcement. The court, however, observed that this cannot be a reason for allowing illegal vending to continue in high-footfall areas such as near railway stations.
The petition also highlighted that traders have been facing this issue since the mid-1990s, with the situation worsening in recent years. Shopkeepers have raised concerns about encroachments extending to shop entrances and verandas, creating inconvenience for pedestrians and affecting safety in crowded areas. In some instances, tensions between shopkeepers and hawkers have also been reported.
The issue is part of a broader matter being heard by the High Court on hawker regulation across Mumbai. In earlier proceedings, the court had directed authorities to carry out proper verification of hawkers and ensure that only eligible vendors are allowed to operate under the law. It had also stressed the need for proper implementation of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, including demarcation of vending zones and formation of town vending committees.
The court has now asked the BMC and the state government to submit a detailed compliance report outlining the steps taken and the plan to address the issue in a structured manner. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for April 21.
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