News Desk: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed hope that “better sense will prevail” amid protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The court stressed the need to balance the right to protest with the livelihoods of small traders, street vendors and daily-wage earners during the festive season. However, it declined to issue any urgent direction regarding the proposed gathering by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Central Park in Connaught Place.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a plea concerning the potential impact of the protest on local businesses. The court observed that the festive season is an important period for small traders, many of whom depend on daily sales to support their families.
The bench also warned that compensation could be considered if unlawful restrictions linked to the protests caused significant losses to businesses. Justice Bagchi told advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, appearing for a traders’ association, that the court could exercise its powers under constitutional tort jurisdiction if the circumstances warranted such action.
Dehadrai claimed that disruptions around Connaught Place were causing business losses of more than ₹250 crore per day. He also raised concerns over a New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) notification issued late Thursday night ordering the closure of Central Park. According to the plea, the restrictions could affect not only shopkeepers but also street vendors and daily-wage workers in the area.
The Supreme Court directed that the matter be listed for hearing on October 26 or 27, after the Dussehra vacation.
The proposed CJP gathering comes amid continuing protests by the party and opposition groups against the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had called on supporters to assemble at Central Park on Friday with the national flag. He alleged that party members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka had been jailed for unfurling the Tricolour.
The two men were sent to five days of judicial custody for allegedly violating their peace bonds and trespassing into Jantar Mantar after Delhi Police withdrew the venue’s status as a designated protest site.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Thursday recorded an assurance from Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma that police had taken steps to regulate the CJP’s activities and would take necessary measures under the law.
The legal proceedings follow a petition by Palika Bazar street vendor Anil Kumar Gupta, who expressed concern that the proposed gathering could lead to restrictions on roads, footpaths and Metro station entrances.
The Supreme Court’s observations highlight the challenge of protecting democratic protest rights while preventing disruption to businesses and everyday life in the national capital.
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