The court last month asked the government to clarify its position on the issue, and said the government could consider framing a policy.
The Maharashtra government on August 3 told the Bombay High Court that it does not intend to permit street vendors and hawkers to conduct their business amid the COVID-19 pandemic since it is not possible to regulate them.
The state government was echoing its earlier stance, when it had told the HC on July 7 that it does not have a policy for street vendors and it is also not contemplating framing any as of now.
The bench had then directed the government to file an affidavit and posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks.
In its affidavit, the government, in response to a public interest litigation filed by one Manoj Oswal, raising concerns of street vendors being without income due to the COVID-19 lockdown said that it does not intend to permit street vendors or hawkers to "commence their businesses amid and post the lockdown".
In his plea, Oswal argued that since hotels and restaurants are allowed to operate,street vendors should also be allowed to conduct their business activities.
The affidavit filed by Kishor Nimbalkar, secretary, disaster management, relief and rehabilitation department, said street vendors and hawkers fall in an unorganised sector and thus, it is very difficult to regulate their business.
"The state government presently does not intend to permit street vendors or hawkers to conduct their businesses even in non-containment zones or areas that are not in lockdown, mainly because it is difficult to implement conditions, if any and if at all, imposed on them to conduct their business, the affidavit said.
It said the civic body and police authorities are already over-burdened with COVID-19 related duties and hence, it would not be possible to expect them to regulate street vendors and hawkers.
The court last month asked the government to clarify its position on the issue, and said the government could consider framing a policy.