News Desk: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought the Centre’s response to a petition calling for the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to regulate protests and prevent disruption to traffic and business activities in the national capital. The matter has been listed for hearing on Friday.
A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma directed Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre, to seek instructions on the matter. The petition was filed by advocate Rishabh Saxena, a traders’ association and street vendor Santosh Kushwaha.
The petitioners argued that demonstrations in Delhi have disrupted commercial activities and affected commuters. They urged the court to direct protesters to hold demonstrations at designated locations so that businesses, professionals and the general public are not inconvenienced.
Senior advocates Sacchin Puri and Sanjay Poddar, representing the petitioners, referred to an earlier Supreme Court judgment in Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India, which called for a regulatory mechanism governing protests. According to the petition, existing conditions for demonstrations prohibit the blocking of traffic, office gates and major roads.
Saxena also referred to an incident on October 12, when he allegedly encountered a gathering occupying the carriageway and central traffic island near the Mandi House roundabout while travelling to an office on Barakhamba Road.
The petition claimed that protests at Jantar Mantar and nearby areas had increased in recent years. It cited figures indicating that 292 protests took place between January and March 2025, compared with 202 during the corresponding period in 2024.
The court also heard two other petitions connected to the recent demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) president Vinod Jhakhar sought a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged assault on members of the public by individuals described in the petition as anti-social elements during the October 10 protest. He also sought the identification of those involved and appropriate legal action.
In a separate petition, advocate Anshika Tripathi challenged the closure of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. She also raised concerns about alleged disruptions, including metro station closures and interruptions to railway services. The court directed her to produce copies of a related petition pending before the Supreme Court.
The October 10 protest triggered extensive security arrangements across Delhi. According to the report, around 7,000 people were detained, internet services were suspended near Jantar Mantar, several long-distance trains were cancelled and 45 metro stations were closed.
The demonstrations also sparked allegations of police excesses and assaults on protesters, journalists and bystanders. The latest court proceedings highlight the challenge of balancing the right to peaceful protest with public safety, traffic management and the uninterrupted functioning of businesses.
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