Activists and Artists Urge Karnataka Government to Halt Street Vendor Evictions in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: More than 500 activists, academics, artists, and civil society members have signed an open letter urging the Karnataka government to stop the ongoing eviction drive against street vendors in Bengaluru. This significant mobilization reflects a growing concern over the treatment of street vendors, who play a crucial role within the urban economy, providing affordable goods and services to the public while also contributing to the vibrancy of city life.

The letter, addressed to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao on July 17, sought that the drive be halted immediately and that the Street Vendors Act of 2014 be implemented properly. The Act was established to protect the rights of street vendors, ensuring their livelihoods while also promoting a more organized approach to urban street vending. The current eviction drive, however, has sparked outrage among various stakeholders who view it as a violation of the legal protections afforded to these vendors.

The signatories questioned why street vendors were being singled out in the name of making Bengaluru more pedestrian-friendly. The letter stated, "Overnight, the government has snatched away the livelihoods of thousands of street vendors in the name of 'safe footpaths' and 'walkable cities.'" This sentiment resonates with many who argue that the push for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure should not come at the expense of those who rely on street vending for their livelihoods. Images circulating on social media showing vendors being evicted while vehicles remained parked on the same footpaths further fueled this perception, leading to questions about the fairness and consistency of the government's actions. "Why are only street vendors being targeted by this campaign?" the letter asked, highlighting a significant concern about selective enforcement of regulations that seemingly favor motorized transport over pedestrian access and street vendor rights.

The letter alleged that the eviction drive violates multiple provisions of the Street Vendors Act, stating that it is "illegal to carry out evictions before the completion of the survey and issuing of vending certificates." This assertion points to a critical gap in the implementation of the law, as the Act mandates a comprehensive survey and the establishment of Town Vending Committees to oversee the regulation of street vending in urban areas. The signatories emphasized that areas could not be declared no-vending zones without the recommendation of these committees, and that vendors could not be evicted without a 30-day written notice. Such legal protections are essential for ensuring that street vendors are treated fairly and that their rights are upheld in the face of urban development pressures.

Additionally, the signatories questioned official estimates of the number of vendors in the city. Referring to the PM SVANidhi scheme, they stated that Bengaluru has around 1.5 lakh street vendors, with nearly 80,000 having received loans under the scheme. This raises concerns about the accuracy and transparency of the data being used by authorities, as the letter pointedly questioned, "How, then, can the authorities now claim that there are only 27,000 vendors?" This discrepancy suggests potential flaws in the survey design and implementation, which could leave a significant number of vendors outside the protection of the law, thereby exacerbating their vulnerability in the face of eviction initiatives.

While expressing support for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, the signatories argued that vendors were being unfairly blamed for the challenges facing urban mobility. "We are not against pedestrian-friendly cities. We only reject the idea that a city must evict its vendors to become one," the letter stated. This perspective reflects a broader discourse on the need for inclusive urban planning that accommodates diverse stakeholders, including street vendors. The signatories asserted that "a well-functioning city must make space for both its pedestrians and its street vendors, and this does not happen with forceful evictions." This highlights the necessity for collaborative approaches to urban development that recognize the contributions of street vendors to the local economy and community fabric.

The letter also cited the Justice Verma Committee's recommendations, which argue that street vending contributes to women's safety by ensuring active public spaces after dark. This point underscores the social implications of street vending, as it provides not only economic opportunities but also enhances the safety and accessibility of urban spaces. The call to action urged the government to stop the eviction drive, constitute Town Vending Committees, complete a comprehensive survey of street vendors, and consult vendor representatives on decisions affecting them. These recommendations are vital steps towards fostering a more equitable urban environment that respects the rights of all city inhabitants.

The signatories of the letter include notable figures such as filmmaker Kavitha Lankesh, actor Prakash Raj, writer and activist Vijayamma, physicist Prajval Shastry, architect Prem Chandavarkar, writer Rahamath Tarikere, theatre artist Lakshman KP, senior advocate BT Venkatesh, and UN Special Rapporteur Ashwini KP. Their involvement highlights the cross-sectional nature of this issue, drawing attention from various fields and underscoring the importance of advocacy for street vendors.

The letter has also been endorsed by groups such as the All India Student Association (AISA), the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), Fridays For Future-Karnataka (FFF), Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike, and Slum Mahila Sanghatane. This broad coalition of support emphasizes the widespread concern regarding the treatment of street vendors and the implications of their eviction for urban communities.

On July 8, hundreds of vendors gathered at Freedom Park and held a bandh across parts of the city, demanding a halt to the eviction drive and alleging that the evictions violated the Street Vendors Act of 2014. This public demonstration serves as a clear indicator of the frustration and desperation felt by many vendors who perceive the government's actions as a direct threat to their livelihoods. The collective action not only aims to draw attention to the plight of street vendors but also seeks to engage the public and policymakers in a dialogue about the importance of inclusive urban policies that recognize the rights and contributions of all city dwellers.

The ongoing situation in Bengaluru serves as a microcosm of larger global trends concerning urbanization, economic inequality, and the rights of informal workers. As cities around the world grapple with similar challenges, the outcomes of this eviction drive could have significant implications for future policies regarding street vending and urban development. The response of the Karnataka government to the concerns raised by activists and civil society will be closely watched, not only within India but also by international observers interested in the dynamics of urban governance and social justice.