BackLAW
Chandigarh: UT cracks down on encroachments in Manimajra; top officials inspect as SC affidavit deadline nears
The Chandigarh UT administration launched a large-scale removal of unauthorised vendors in Sector 13, Manimajra, as part of a citywide drive. Senior officials inspected the cleared areas and directed ongoing enforcement ahead of a Supreme Court affidavit due on May 12, with the High Court having previously urged compliance by May 20.
Why It Matters
The actions reflect a major civic and legal effort to regulate street vending and restore public spaces, with implications for urban mobility and judicial oversight.
Timeline
6 Events
Planned expansion of drives in coming days to show compliance before apex court
May 11, 2026
The administration signalled it would intensify similar drives in other parts of the city in the coming days as it moves to demonstrate compliance before the Supreme Court.
Directives issued to keep pathways clear; monitoring reinforced
May 11, 2026
Officials issued strict directions to ensure sustained enforcement and that public pathways remain clear, and instructed field teams to maintain regular monitoring to prevent reappearance of unauthorised vendors in the reclaimed stretches.
Senior officials inspect cleared areas
May 11, 2026
A team of senior officials including home secretary Mandeep Singh Brar, deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, and municipal corporation joint commissioner Himanshu Gupta conducted on-ground inspection of the cleared areas, accompanied by enforcement and civic teams.
UT prepares affidavit for Supreme Court; May 12 deadline noted
May 11, 2026
The administration prepared to submit an affidavit before the Supreme Court on May 12 asserting that it has established effective control over illegal hawking in Chandigarh.
UT conducts large-scale removal of unauthorised vendors in Sector 13, Manimajra
May 11, 2026
In a stepped-up drive, the UT administration carried out a large-scale removal of unauthorised vendors in congested markets and narrow lanes of Sector 13, Manimajra, reclaiming key public spaces.
HC directs Chandigarh MC to remove encroachments; compliance report due by May 20
May 11, 2026
The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed Chandigarh Municipal Corporation to remove encroachments from public places and sought a compliance report by May 20.