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CITU Protests Against Eviction of Street Vendors at Kadri Park

By Editor

Posted on November 18, 2025

CITU Protests Against Eviction of Street Vendors at Kadri Park

Mangaluru: Street vendors, led by the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors’ Association under the banner of CITU, held a massive protest in front of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) building today. The protest was against the sudden removal of authorized street vendors, who possess official MCC ID cards, from the vicinity of Kadri Park.

Allegations of Illegal Action and Harassment
CITU District General Secretary, Sunil Kumar Bajal, addressed the protestors, condemning the MCC’s actions. He stated that the authorities are launching “illegal attacks” on poor street vendors who earn their livelihood by selling food and beverages to visitors at Kadri Park. He accused the MCC officials of “oppression”, treating the vendors like criminals, while elected representatives remain silent. Bajal warned that if the evictions continue, the agitation would be intensified.

Violation of Street Vendors Act
B.K. Imthiyaz, Honorary President of the Association, highlighted that the vendors have been operating in the area for the past 30 years. He criticized the MCC for conducting a sudden raid without any prior notice, seizing their goods and carts, calling it an assault on the vendors’ “right to livelihood.” He asserted that despite possessing official MCC ID cards, trade certificates, and Food Safety certificates, denying them the right to trade is a clear violation of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act.

Operational Lapses and Legal Concerns
Imthiyaz further pointed out that the operation is unlawful because the essential legal bodies mandated by the Act are non-existent in Mangaluru. Specifically, the Grievance Redressal Committee, led by a retired judge, and the Temporary Town Vending Committee (TVC) are not in place. Conducting an operation against vendors in the absence of the Temporary TVC is a breach of law. He also raised concerns about the decision to declare the Airport Road a no-vending zone without providing alternate arrangements, causing severe distress to vendors operating there.

Key Demands Submitted to MCC
The protestors submitted a memorandum to MCC officials Malini and Chittaranjan, stressing the following immediate demands:

Allow street vendors who have been operating for years at Kadri Park to continue their trade.

Establish a Food Zone for street food vendors opposite the main gate of Kadri Park.

Halt all operations against street vendors in the MCC limits until the Town Vending Committee and Grievance Redressal Committee are constituted.

Immediately form the Temporary Town Vending Committee.

Ensure that seized goods and carts are returned to vendors after a mahazar (spot inspection report) without causing any damage.

Withdraw the order declaring Airport Road as a no-vending zone.