HC junks plea; Laitumkhrah vendors may not be shifted soon

SHILLONG, March 19: The High Court of Meghalaya on Tuesday disposed of a writ petition on the relocation of hawkers and street vendors from Laitumkhrah to Veronica Lane.
The petitioners, “Bethany Society and 7 others”, had their establishments located in Veronica Lane where the vendors were to be supposedly relocated.
An affidavit was filed by the state respondents indicating that presently no concrete steps have been taken to shift the hawkers as claimed by the petitioners.
In view of this, the court saw nothing for consideration. However, K Paul, senior counsel assisted by S Chanda, both counsel for the petitioners, submitted that before any such other exercise is undertaken, consultation process should be gone into as to involve other stakeholders who might be affected by any relocation.
The submission was noted. The High Court is now expecting that before any further action is initiated, it should involve the stakeholders.