Will act if businesses are affected: Supreme Court on restrictions in Connaught Place ahead of CJP protest

The Supreme Court on Friday said that it would intervene if frequent protests and security restrictions around Connaught Place affects businesses.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a matter filed in relation to New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)'s decision to close the Central Park in Connaught Place for two days ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest to express solidarity with its arrested leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

"Some actions may be needed. Some directions. We know that all small shopkeepers, hawkers and stall owners earn their livelihood during these days. And we know the hardship, difficulty and crisis faced by their entire families," CJI Kant said.

The Court made the observation after advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, representing the traders, highlighted problems faced by traders in Central Delhi during a mentioning.

"We are for the Kirana committee. There is loss of over ₹250 crore a day for the protest etc Connaught Place...And the NDMC has put out a notice last night. There is grave urgency," Dehadrai said.

Justice Bagchi commented on the number of petitions being filed before the Court.

"This is different. Someone wants to protest, someone wants to sell moongfali (peanuts) someone wants to maintain law and order. All are there before us," the judge said.

Dehadrai said that there was an urgency in the matter due to the upcoming festive season and sought listing of the case. He said that the restriction imposed by NDMC was disproportionate.

"There is grave urgency because Karva Chauth, Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath are coming up," he said.

Justice Bagchi said that the Court will intervene if restrictions like the one ordered by NDMC affect the businesses.

"If there is a lot of business, and if it becomes unlawful to your clients, we will exercise our powers under constitutional law," the judge said.

When the counsel reiterated his submission, the Court said,

"We told you, there is ample jurisdiction evolved by this Court under compensation and public law. We will act."

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