MUMBAI, March 30 -- As Mumbai prepares to place the election results of hawker representatives before the Bombay High Court on Monday to constitute the crucial Town Vending Committee (TVC) after a delay of nearly nine years, Nagpur has emerged as a pioneer in implementing the Street Vendors Act in Maharashtra. A recent HC order noted that Nagpur leads the state in implementing the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, having successfully set up TVCs and progressed with the statutory framework, even as Mumbai and several other cities continue to grapple with delays. With 280 TVCs already notified across Maharashtra and Nagpur setting an example, the court made it clear that Mumbai must now move swiftly to complete the process and ensure the act is implemented in letter and spirit. The election results will confirm that 40% of the Town Vending Committee comprises elected hawker representatives, with details set to be submitted before the court and made public on Monday. Advocate Jamshed Mistry, amicus curiae appointed by the HC in the hawker matter, pointed out that there had been a complete stalemate in electing the 40% hawker representatives, which led to delays in the formation of the central TVC. Mistry explained that the central TVC consists of 20 members, including the civic chief as chairperson, with 12 members nominated. "Only eight members are elected to ensure 40% representation of hawkers, while the remaining members, including representatives from NGOs, civil society, commerce and banks, are directly nominated by the state government," Mistry told HT. The court laid down a clear roadmap outlining the TVC's role, responsibilities and functioning, providing much-needed direction for effective implementation of the Street Vendors Act. The duly formed TVC will be required to undertake statutory functions beginning with a survey of street vendors, and the preparation and implementation of a vending scheme. The court clarified that the TVC has the authority to conduct fresh surveys if required and must ensure they are conducted at least once every five years. This will allow the inclusion of eligible hawkers, including those who began vending after May 1, 2014. In addition, the court issued strict directions to the civic body. The BMC must allow 99,435 eligible hawkers to operate strictly as per guidelines and verify the remaining 29,008 applicants within four months. No other hawkers will be permitted to operate unless found eligible. The civic body has also been directed to conduct a comprehensive inspection of all temporary and permanent stalls on roads and footpaths, verify the identity of all vendors and assistants, and take action against illegal immigrants, including repatriation if necessary. Failure to act will attract personal liability for concerned officers. The court highlighted that once the TVC is constituted, it must focus on governance, conducting surveys, regulating vending zones, implementing schemes, and balancing the rights of vendors with public convenience....