There are thirty five people who make an earning by running these stalls, most of them young men with these bookstalls as their only source of income. Second hand books reach them through various sources and contacts and because it is available to them at a cheap rate, the books are in turn made available to the public at a fraction of the market price. But by running these stalls, the owners are also defying the law by selling without a license and paying no taxes.

Secretary Aji states that stall owners are prepared to pay a reasonable amount as rent if a proper space is given to them to continue with their business. However, to the City Corporation, the matter is hardly of relevance.

“First of all,they should realise that what they are doing is illegal. In one way, their continued existence is also a sort of mockery at the other genuine shopkeepers who run their shops legally and pay the required taxes. It was only because they enjoyed public support and were actually serving the public better in a way, that they were never forced out. But that doesn't mean we are answerable to them. It is not like they will be moved by force; but in all fairness, they have to do it on their own, since there is hardly any choice left for them,” says Deputy Mayor Happy Kumar.

The fact that these wayside book vendors can't expect legal support from any side and that the improvement of city roads is a primary concern both to the Government and to the public, makes it seem like a death knell is ringing for these stalls and its amazing collection of literature, magazines, text books, guides and comics. It remains to be said that bringing these stalls under the law and having them taxed according to the law would bring the Corporation a handsome revenue, while allowing the young stall owners to continue earning an income and leaving the public with a win-win situation.