Anil Kumar Bhagat, a determined and resilient street vendor, emerges as the beacon of hope in Nehru Nagar Market near INR Complex. Since 1986, Mr. Bhagat has tirelessly pursued his vending business, armed with all the necessary documents, including CoV and LoR. Yet, his path was riddled with challenges as he faced opposition from various authorities such as MCD, Police, and PWD. Undeterred, Anil Kumar Bhagat fearlessly took on these authorities, igniting a battle that was replete with challenges but suggested a promising fair trial, if undertaken.

In January, Salendar Pandey confiscated Mr. Bhagat’s cherished vending location, ordering him to cease his vending. However, Anil refused to succumb to this injustice. Having established his business over the years, he adamantly continued his sales, defying the unjust order. The Public Works Department (PWD) officials subsequently seized his vending area, citing redevelopment plans that would last four long months.

With the objective to stand against harassment being inflicted, Mr. Bhagat visited the police station and the MCD office, hoping to reclaim his right to vend, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. Each visit to the PWD offices ended in disappointment, leaving him empty-handed. Nevertheless, Mr. Bhagat’s spirit remained unbroken, until finally, after overcoming numerous hurdles, Mr. Bhagat discovered a lifeline in the form of the Jeevika mobile application. This revolutionary app, aims to protect the rights of street vendors by educating them about it and connecting them to free legal aid in case requested. With renewed hope, Mr. Bhagat utilized the app. His plea reached the law volunteers on the app and the Jeevika Team. The SOS request for support was then assigned and taken up by Mr. Kamal, Jeevika Fellow.

Together, Mr. Bhagat and Mr. Kamal devised a plan to tackle the oppressive situation. Mr. Kamal diligently wrote letters to the PWD officers, powerfully advocating for Mr. Bhagat’s rightful place as a vendor. Despite facing setbacks during their visits to the PWD office, they persevered, undeterred by the officer’s absence. As a testament to their unwavering determination, Mr. Kamal dispatched Mr. Bhagat’s legal documents to the PWD officers via mail.

On April 30th, Mr. Bhagat finally had the long-awaited meeting with Mr. Saxena, an officer of the PWD. On hearing Mr. Bhagat’s story of the long struggle for justice, Mr. Saxena granted Mr. Bhagat permission to resume his vending business at his cherished location. With renewed vigor, on May 1st, Mr. Bhagat triumphantly returned to his stall, free from obstacles that had plagued him for months.

Mr. Bhagat credits the Jeevika Team for being his unwavering ally throughout this arduous journey, providing invaluable legal assistance and support. In a society where street vendors frequently clash with the authorities, few rise above and defend their rights as passionately as Mr. Anil Bhagat. His extraordinary efforts not only brought him justice but also had a profound impact on the entire vendor community.

The Centre for Civil Society commends Mr. Bhagat for his unwavering courage and unrelenting determination. Anil Kumar Bhagat’s inspiring success story serves as a shining example of triumph against all odds, inspiring countless others to stand up for their rights and fight for a better tomorrow!