New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday warned that it could award compensation if protests in Delhi disproportionately affect the livelihoods of traders, street vendors and daily-wage workers. The court expressed concern over the potential losses to small businesses during the festive season, when many depend on increased customer footfall to earn their income.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the observations while considering concerns over a proposed gathering by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Central Park in Connaught Place.
“If there is loss of business, if it is unlawful to your clients, we will exercise our powers under constitutional tort jurisdiction,” Justice Bagchi told advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, who mentioned the matter on behalf of a traders’ association.
The lawyer claimed that disruption around Connaught Place could cause traders losses exceeding ₹250 crore a day. He argued that restrictions on roads, footpaths and access points could severely affect businesses during the festive period.
Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court was aware of the difficulties faced by small shopkeepers and their families. He expressed hope that all parties would act responsibly and that the situation would be handled without unnecessarily harming people’s livelihoods.
“Someone wants to protest, someone wants to sell moongfali (peanuts), someone wants to maintain law and order. All are there before us,” Justice Bagchi observed, highlighting the need to balance the rights of protesters with the interests of traders and the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies.
The petition also raised concerns over a New Delhi Municipal Council notification issued late Thursday night to close Central Park. The petitioner argued that the decision could affect businesses operating in the surrounding area.
The Supreme Court indicated that it could examine the issue of compensation if it later found that restrictions on business and livelihood were disproportionate. The matter has been listed for October 26 or 27, after the court’s Dussehra vacation.
The proposed gathering comes amid protests by the CJP and opposition parties against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had called on supporters to assemble at Central Park with the national flag. Meanwhile, Delhi Police has taken steps to regulate protest activities following concerns about possible disruption to traffic and commercial activity.
The Delhi High Court had earlier recorded an assurance from Delhi Police that it would take all possible measures under the law to manage the gathering and address concerns raised by traders and vendors.
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