Shillong, July 3: The High Court of Meghalaya has taken strong action to better regulate street vending in Shillong. In a new order passed on Thursday, the Court appointed Senior Advocate Subhasis Chakrawarty as a Special Officer to oversee the management, relocation, and regulation of hawkers in the city.

The decision is part of ongoing hearings in three public interest cases (PIL No. 17 of 2021, MC (PIL) No. 1 of 2025, and PIL No. 9 of 2024).

The Court directed the State Government to pay the Special Officer ₹75,000 by July 11 as an initial payment for his duties.

Key Points from the Court Order:
A verified list of 349 licensed vendors will be prepared under the Special Officer’s supervision.

Unlicensed vendors will not be allowed to sell in Police Bazar, and enforcement will be strict.

Street vending will only be allowed during two time slots:

12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Vendors must move immediately to any alternative location given by the authorities, or they may face eviction.

Unlicensed hawkers can still apply for licenses, and their applications will be considered.

The Court has asked the Special Officer to ensure the peaceful implementation of the rules and submit a detailed report by the next hearing on August 5, 2025.

This move is seen as an important step toward balancing the needs of street vendors with urban order in Shillong.