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In a dramatic turn of events, Haryana Assembly Deputy Speaker and Jind MLA Krishan Middha reprimanded officials from the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) on Friday, ordering them to sit on the roadside in Jind’s Diwan Khana market. The directive came in response to a contentious anti-encroachment drive conducted by the HSVP on Thursday, during which street vendors’ belongings were reportedly thrown onto the streets without prior notice.
The incident unfolded after a group of aggrieved street vendors approached Middha at his residence, recounting how HSVP officials had discarded their items without issuing any formal notice. The vendors alleged that the HSVP officials acted upon complaints lodged by local shopkeepers but did so in a manner that disregarded proper procedures and caused them financial losses.
Upon hearing their grievances, Middha summoned the HSVP officials, including Sub-Divisional Officer Tarun, to the market area. Confronting Tarun in front of a gathering of affected vendors and local residents, Middha demanded to see the official notice authorizing the eviction of the street vendors and the disposal of their goods. The HSVP officer admitted that he had not issued any written orders but had instead given verbal instructions to his subordinates to carry out the drive.
Visibly displeased by the response, Middha reprimanded Tarun and expressed his disapproval of the arbitrary manner in which the drive was conducted. He emphasized that no government action can be undertaken without a formal written directive, stressing that verbal instructions hold no legal weight. Middha further stated that the losses incurred by the vendors as a result of the drive would have to be compensated by the officials responsible for the incident.
Middha’s intervention drew a crowd of onlookers as he instructed the HSVP officials to sit on the roadside, symbolically placing them in the same position as the affected vendors whose livelihoods had been disrupted by the drive. The MLA’s public display of discontent highlighted his support for the street vendors and underscored the importance of adhering to proper procedures before executing such actions.
In a subsequent statement to the media, Middha said, “I will not tolerate any injustice against the common people, especially small vendors who earn their livelihood through honest work. Government officials must act within the boundaries of the law and follow due procedures. If anyone is found to be overstepping their authority, they will be held accountable.”
Meanwhile, the HSVP has come under criticism from local residents and political observers, who questioned the manner in which the anti-encroachment drive was executed. The incident has raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of municipal actions in Jind, as well as the potential impact on the livelihoods of street vendors.
Tarun, the sub-divisional officer, later clarified his position, stating that he had acted in response to repeated complaints from shopkeepers in the area who alleged that the street vendors were encroaching upon public pathways and obstructing foot traffic. “I was under pressure to take action, but in retrospect, I acknowledge that a written notice should have been issued before proceeding with the drive. We are willing to work with the affected vendors to resolve the matter,” he said.
The incident has prompted a broader debate on the implementation of anti-encroachment drives in urban areas, particularly in relation to small vendors who often lack the financial means to contest government actions. Legal experts have emphasized the importance of issuing formal notices and providing adequate time for vendors to relocate before initiating any eviction efforts.
Local resident and shop owner Ravi Singh, who witnessed the incident, said, “While the vendors should not encroach upon public pathways, the way the drive was conducted was unacceptable. Throwing away their belongings without notice is inhumane and unjust. There needs to be a fair process that considers both the rights of shopkeepers and the livelihood of street vendors.”
The incident has also drawn the attention of local political leaders, with some calling for a review of the HSVP’s protocols regarding anti-encroachment drives. “We will take up the matter with higher authorities and ensure that such incidents do not recur,” said a senior representative of the local municipal corporation.
As the situation continues to unfold, the affected vendors are hopeful that their grievances will be addressed and that the losses they suffered will be compensated. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for municipal bodies to adhere to established protocols while carrying out enforcement actions, ensuring that all stakeholders are treated with fairness and respect.
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