Shillong, Feb 25: The Meghalaya High Court has taken note of unauthorised setting up of fruits and other stalls in Upper Shillong and 4th Mile areas, along the under construction national highway.
The issue came up during a hearing on street vendors by the division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh.
Counsels of the state and the district council have sought time from the court to take steps against these stalls for the safety of persons manning them.
It may be mentioned that setting up stalls or any form of commercial encroachment along the Right of Way (ROW) of National Highways in India is illegal and prohibited under the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002.
Meanwhile, the state in its submission before the court yesterday said a hearing to address the claims and objections from vendors in Laitumkhrah area was held on January 29. A total of 48 vendors were found eligible for license while a list of 22 vendors have already been published in the list of eligibility by the Provisional Town Vending Committee.
Out of 120 claims received, 26 vendors were absent during the hearing and 46 vendors failed to provide the required documentary support for their claims. The Certificates of Vending (CoVs) will be distributed to the 70 eligible vendors of Laitumkhrah tomorrow.
The state informed the court that distribution of CoVs will be carried out today for 133 eligible vendors of MTC/Jail Road area.
Altogether 365 vendors had been relocated from the Police Bazar/Khyndai Lad area and 29 vendors had been relocated from the Civil Hospital junction.
