Ahmedabad: The Supreme Court has ordered maintenance of status quo in a case related to the reinstatement of certified vendors in the Bhadra area of the old city. While hearing a plea filed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the apex court stayed the Gujarat High Court’s March 13, 2026 order that had directed the civic body to allot vending spaces to 586 certified street vendors at Bhadra Plaza.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant passed the order after the AMC sought urgent intervention, citing concerns related to public safety, traffic congestion, and law-and-order issues in the densely populated and historically sensitive Bhadra locality.

The Gujarat High Court had earlier issued time-bound directions asking the civic body to restore vending space at Bhadra Plaza and had also warned municipal officials of contempt proceedings in case of non-compliance. The High Court’s directions were scheduled to come into effect from March 21.

However, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the High Court order and directed that status quo be maintained on the ground, meaning that the current enforcement position in the area will continue until further orders.

Appearing for the AMC, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the court to intervene, arguing that allowing large-scale street vending in the Bhadra area could create serious risks to public movement, emergency response, and overall law and order.

The municipal corporation submitted that before its enforcement drive, more than 1,500 hawkers had occupied public roads and footpaths, leading to severe congestion in the area. According to the civic body, pedestrians were forced to walk on roads due to blocked footpaths, and emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire tenders were unable to pass through the market stretch.

Taking note of the submissions, the Supreme Court directed that the existing situation on the ground be maintained for the time being and stayed the High Court order. The matter will be taken up for further hearing at a later date.