Supreme Court Addresses Traders' Concerns Amid CJP's Protest Plans
The Supreme Court has declined an urgent plea against the closure of Central Park, emphasizing the need for balance between protests and traders' livelihoods.
The Supreme Court acknowledged the impact of Central Park's closure on local businesses ahead of the CJP's protest.
CJP plans to proceed with its 'Lehra do Tiranga' march despite the park's closure and heightened security measures.
Delhi Police has restricted protests to designated areas, citing law and order concerns.
On Friday, the Supreme Court of India refused to expedite a hearing regarding the closure of Central Park in Connaught Place, which is set to coincide with the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) planned 'Lehra do Tiranga' protest. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, expressed hope that 'better sense will prevail' among all parties involved, particularly considering the potential hardships faced by small shopkeepers in the area.
The court's decision comes in light of the New Delhi Municipal Council's (NDMC) announcement to close the park for administrative reasons on October 16 and 17. The bench recognized the interconnectedness of the right to protest, maintaining public order, and the livelihoods of local traders. Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that the court could intervene if the closure resulted in significant business losses, indicating a willingness to exercise constitutional powers if necessary.
During the proceedings, the petitioner's attorney highlighted that the NDMC's late-night directive effectively barred businesses from operating in the vicinity. The court indicated that it might revisit the plea on October 26 or 27, allowing for further developments to unfold. Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has called for supporters to gather at Central Park, asserting that the protest will proceed regardless of the park's closure.
The CJP's planned demonstration is set against a backdrop of tensions with the Delhi Police over recent arrests of party members for protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Dipke has urged citizens and political groups to unite in defense of voting rights, emphasizing that democracy requires active participation and accountability from elected officials. He criticized the government's actions as attempts to suppress democratic expression, stating that peaceful protests should not harm businesses.
In response to the planned protest, Delhi Police have heightened security measures around Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar, asserting that protests should occur in designated areas such as Ramlila Maidan or Burari Ground. The NDMC's closure notice came shortly after the CJP announced its march, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding electoral processes and the rights of citizens to assemble and protest. As the situation develops, the CJP's actions may further challenge the boundaries of protest rights in the capital.
