English
English
English
SC Flags Traders’ Concerns Over CJP Tiranga March (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern over the potential impact of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Lehra do Tiranga’ march in Delhi’s Connaught Place on local traders but declined to issue immediate directions on a petition challenging the closure of Central Park.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter after advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai raised concerns about business losses resulting from the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) closure order. The bench noted that a similar matter was already being considered by the Delhi High Court and listed the petition for October 26-27.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed hope that good sense would prevail, emphasising the difficulties the restrictions could cause for small shopkeepers and their families.
“We hope better sense will prevail on every one...small shopkeepers they earn their livelihood during these days,” the CJI said, underlining the importance of protecting livelihoods amid the planned demonstration.
Justice Bagchi noted that the situation involved balancing the right to protest, traders’ ability to conduct business and the authorities’ responsibility to maintain law and order.
He indicated that the court could exercise its constitutional powers if the restrictions resulted in disproportionate losses to businesses.
Dehadrai told the bench that the NDMC had issued its closure order late Thursday night, directing Central Park to remain shut on Friday and Saturday for “administrative reasons”. He argued that the decision would prevent businesses in the area from operating normally.
Justice Bagchi said the court had sufficient jurisdiction to intervene if the restrictions were found to be disproportionate, including through the exercise of powers relating to public law and compensation.
The bench, however, refrained from issuing immediate directions, noting that the Delhi High Court was already examining a similar issue.
The hearing comes after CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged “patriots” to assemble at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm for the ‘Lehra do Tiranga’ march.
The protest was announced against the arrest of outfit leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who allegedly unfurled the national flag at Jantar Mantar after the site was denotified for protests.
Following the announcement, the NDMC ordered Central Park to remain closed on Friday and Saturday. Delhi Police also said the march had not been granted permission.
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for October 26-27, with concerns over the impact on local businesses remaining central to the dispute.
