Chandigarh, March 21 2025 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed a plea by Sector 26-grain market traders challenging the e-auction of 23 fruit and vegetable shops in Sector 39, paving the way for the market’s relocation.
The bench of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Vikas Suri rejected the plea filed by Sabzimandi Aarhti Association and around 60 commission agents and traders.
Despite the petitioners seeking an order, the court remarked they would be saddled with a ₹2 lakh cost.
The Chandigarh administration had initiated the e-auction on March 3, opening it to the general public for the first time—a move opposed by Sector 26 traders. Bidders can submit documents on e-auction.gov.in until March 24, with the auction scheduled for March 28 to 31.
Each 120-square-yard shop has a reserve price of ₹3.70 crore and will be allotted on a 99-year leasehold basis.
The Sector 39 market, planned in 2002 to decongest the Sector 26 grain market, faced multiple auction failures over the years. UT officials said the Sector 26 market will be de-notified in phases once the Sector 39 shops are allotted.
Read More: Sector 26 Mandi Arhtiyas to Challenge E-Auction in High Court
