Chandigarh: The Supreme Court has disposed of all pending appeals related to Chandigarh’s street vending issue after noting that the municipal corporation had made “sufficient progress” in regulating vending zones across the city. However, it has directed the Punjab and Haryana high court to continue monitoring the matter.The detailed order, pronounced on Aug 3 and uploaded Tuesday, records the MC’s compliance on key aspects of the vending framework, including operationalisation of vending sites, appointment of nodal officers and provision of basic amenities.A bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh observed that significant progress had been achieved through the coordinated efforts of various authorities and that the interests of justice would be best served by remanding the matter to the high court for continued oversight.“We take note of the fact that, resultant of cooperation of all the authorities, sufficient progress has been made regarding the regulation of vending zones. We are of the considered view that the interest of justice would be best met if the matter is disposed of at this stage,” the court said.The apex court also noted that several applications had been filed after its July 1 order and said parties would be free to pursue remedies before the high court or in accordance with law. With this, all pending applications before the Supreme Court stand closed.The court’s order incorporates points highlighted in an affidavit filed by the municipal corporation, outlining steps taken to regulate vending activity in the city. These include the appointment of nodal officers for day-to-day monitoring, operational vending sites with signage, availability of public amenities, public awareness advertisements and a dedicated helpline for vendors and buyers.While recording the compliance measures, the court directed that CCTV cameras at vending sites be installed within three months, as decided by the town vending committee.The bench also placed on record its appreciation for senior advocate Anant Vijay Palli for assistance rendered during the proceedings.
