High Court Orders Relocation of Mangalpadaav Meat Market in Four Months

Encroachment Removal Plan Moves Forward for Haldwani’s Mangalpadaav Area

The High Court has issued a directive to the Uttarakhand state government and the municipal corporation to relocate the meat market from Haldwani’s Mangalpadaav area within the next four months. The court’s decision comes in response to petitions filed by local vendors, who have been running their meat businesses in Mangalpadaav for decades. The order was passed by Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Vivek Bharti Sharma, following a hearing on Tuesday.

The petitioners, led by Vijay Pal Singh and others, presented their case, emphasizing that they have been legally operating their businesses in Mangalpadaav since the 1960s, holding licenses issued by the municipality. They recalled that when Haldwani was under a municipal board, designated meat markets were originally established on Chorgaliya and Rampur roads. Later, after Haldwani’s transition to a municipal corporation, these spaces were converted into permanent shops, and new vendors were allocated the spaces, prompting the original meat vendors to relocate to Mangalpadaav.

According to the petitioners, the municipal corporation served them notices on March 31, followed by demolition orders on April 4, without offering an opportunity for a hearing. They have urged the court to allow them to continue operating in Mangalpadaav until they are provided with an alternative location.

Legal Battle and Future Steps for Market Relocation

During the hearing, the court emphasized the importance of adhering to proper relocation procedures to avoid any disruption in business. The petitioners’ concerns about sudden demolition reflect the broader issue of providing adequate facilities for vendors to maintain their livelihoods. The court’s directive calls for cooperation from both the state government and the municipal corporation to ensure a fair transition process.

The next steps involve identifying a suitable location for the meat vendors to resume operations. Meanwhile, the petitioners hope for temporary permission to continue in Mangalpadaav, as they await an organized and well-planned shift that preserves their business continuity.

This decision marks a significant turning point in the longstanding encroachment issues within Haldwani, reflecting the High Court’s efforts to balance urban development with the needs of the local business community. The upcoming months will be critical for both the municipal corporation and vendors as they prepare for a smoother transition and attempt to resolve a dispute that dates back decades.