The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday granted partial relief to street vendors operating in the bustling Khyndailad area of Shillong by modifying the previously imposed vending hours, allowing additional time for setting up and packing up their stalls.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh made the changes while hearing a plea filed by the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association. The court had earlier, on July 3, restricted vending to two narrow time windows: 12:30 pm to 2 pm and 7:30 pm to 9 pm.
During the latest hearing, the petitioners, represented by advocate P Yobin, contended that the short vending hours left little room for actual business after accounting for the time needed to set up and dismantle the stalls.
Responding to the plea, the Advocate General argued that the request was driven by “vested interests” and informed the court that the state government had planned to relocate vendors to designated vending zones by July 22, 2025.
After considering arguments from both sides, the High Court allowed vendors to begin setting up from 12 noon, with business operations permitted until 2 pm and an additional 15 minutes for packing up. Similarly, for the evening session, vendors can begin setup at 7 pm, conduct business until 9 pm, and wrap up by 9:15 pm.
The court emphasized that the extended hours must be strictly monitored by relevant public authorities, including the Special Officer appointed by the court. It also directed the traffic department to ensure increased police deployment to manage potential congestion in the area.
The matter is now scheduled for further hearing on July 28.
