Delhi Hawker Federation Condemns Police Action Against Street Vendor

Delhi's National Hawker Federation criticized the first FIR registered against a street vendor post new criminal laws, calling it misuse of power targeting the underprivileged. They urged human rights advocates to protest and pledged legal action. The federation highlighted the contradiction of the FIR with the Street Vendor Act, 2014.

The National Hawker Federation in Delhi has vehemently criticized the first FIR lodged against a street vendor following the enactment of three new criminal laws on Monday, labeling it as an act of 'targeting the underprivileged' and 'misuse of power'.

This association, which represents over 800 street vendor organizations, 11 central trade unions, and numerous NGOs across India and abroad, has called upon human rights advocates and concerned citizens to raise their voices against this purported injustice. The Delhi Police registered the FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, against the vendor for allegedly obstructing a public way at a foot overbridge near New Delhi station.

Condemning the police action, the federation issued a statement pointing out the irony that the first FIR under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita targets a street vendor, not a criminal. Sandeep Verma, convenor of the federation, decried the action as a blatant misuse of power and a disregard for laws protecting the underprivileged. The federation has vowed to take all possible legal measures to counter this act and to organize a constitutionally-backed movement to ensure the rights and dignity of street vendors are upheld.

The federation demanded the immediate withdrawal of the case and urged authorities to adhere to the provisions of the Street Vendor Act, 2014. The police registered the FIR under Section 285 of the BNS, which can impose a fine of up to Rs 5,000 for causing danger, obstruction, or injury in public spaces.

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