Bombay High Court Orders Immediate Verification of Mumbai Hawkers, Flags Illegal Immigration Concerns

Mumbai, 23rd March 2026: In a decisive move to address the persistent issue of unauthorized street vending, the Bombay High Court has directed civic authorities to undertake an immediate and comprehensive verification of all hawkers and their assistants across Mumbai, including those suspected to be Bangladesh nationals.

The directive was issued by a division bench comprising Justice Ajay Gadkari and Justice Kamal Khata while hearing a batch of petitions concerning the increasing presence of illegal hawkers in the city.

The court instructed both the municipal corporation and the police to carry out a detailed identification exercise covering all individuals engaged in street vending. This includes those running stalls, selling goods, operating shops, as well as assistants working with hawkers.

The bench emphasised that the process must also include individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants, including those allegedly from Bangladesh or other countries.

The court stated that any individual found to be residing illegally must face appropriate legal action as per the law. It further directed authorities to initiate necessary procedures through competent agencies to facilitate deportation to their country of origin, wherever applicable.

Issuing a stern warning, the bench said that any delay or negligence in implementing its directions would lead to personal accountability being fixed on officials from both the civic administration and the police department.

Plea for Extension Rejected:
During the hearing, lawyers representing hawkers sought a two-week extension of the existing stay on the implementation of the Street Vendors Act to approach the Supreme Court. The court, however, declined the request.

Observing that repeated litigation has delayed enforcement of the law, the bench noted that earlier rulings, including those in the Azad Hawkers case, have not been fully complied with by authorities.

Refusing to grant any further relief, the court made it clear that it would not stay the execution of its latest order, paving the way for immediate enforcement.