Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 28: After a delay of over one-and-a-half years, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will on Saturday undertake counting of votes for the long-pending elections to the city’s Town Vending Committees (TVCs), following directions from the Bombay High Court.

The counting process, scheduled to begin at 12 pm at the civic headquarters, will determine the composition of one apex committee and seven zonal committees representing street vendors across Mumbai. Results are expected to be declared the same day.

TVCs are statutory bodies mandated under the Street Vendors Act, 2014, tasked with identifying, surveying, and regulating street vendors in the city.

Polling for the eight committees was held on August 29, 2024, recording a voter turnout of 49.46 per cent. However, the process was stalled after multiple petitions challenged the legality of the elections. While the Supreme Court of India had permitted voting, it directed that counting and declaration of results be withheld, leading to ballot boxes being sealed and stored in strong rooms.

The deadlock was resolved earlier this week when the Bombay High Court, in its March 23, 2026 order, upheld the validity of the 2024 election process and lifted the stay on counting, directing authorities to declare the results without delay.

Civic officials said necessary arrangements have been made at the BMC headquarters, with counting to be conducted in committee halls 1 and 2. Candidates, their representatives, petitioners and other stakeholders have been asked to remain present during the process.