Supreme Court Issues Notices to Centre and Delhi Police Over Protests Affecting Businesses

The Supreme Court has responded to a petition filed by business associations in Delhi, alleging that prolonged protests in the national capital had severely affected commercial activities. The traders told the court that demonstrations around Connaught Place (CP) during the festive season had disrupted businesses and caused inconvenience to nearly 50 lakh people. Hearing the petition on Tuesday, the court issued notices to the Central Government and Delhi Police.

During the proceedings, the bench directed the petitioners to include the protesters and organisers of the demonstrations as respondents. It observed that no appropriate orders could be passed without making the concerned protest organisers parties to the case. The court also emphasised that while every citizen has the right to protest, the concerns and rights of other sections of society must also be considered. It remarked that public spaces cannot be occupied indefinitely in the name of fundamental rights. The bench also heard other petitions concerning mass detentions, alleged police use of force, and the suspension of metro station and internet services.