Location: New Delhi
Judicial Update: Traders appealed to court after business stalled during festive season; Protesting organizations directed to be made parties to the case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday took a stern stance regarding the ongoing protest at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The top court stated unequivocally that while everyone has the right to protest in a democracy, no public or protest site can be occupied "permanently." A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana, while hearing the matter, issued notices to the Central Government and relevant authorities seeking their response.
Key Remarks by the Supreme Court: Time Limits Must Be Set
Hearing petitions filed by several commercial associations, including the 'Kirana Committee Delhi', the three-judge bench emphasized the need for a balance between the right to protest and the convenience of ordinary citizens:
Indefinite Occupation Unacceptable: The court clarified that it is improper for a single group to blockade a venue indefinitely.
Permitted for a Limited Period: The bench noted that protests must have a fixed time limit and a restricted duration so that movement and normal daily activities for others remain unhindered.
Directive to Implead Protesters: The court directed the petitioning traders to make the organizations leading the protest formal parties to the case.
Traders' Argument: "Business Halted During Festivals, Silence Spreads to Connaught Place"
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the traders' associations before the top court, raised the issue of severe financial losses caused by the sit-in:
50 Lakh Population Affected: Rohatgi argued that nearly 5 million people reside in the vicinity of Ramlila Maidan, whose daily lives are disrupted by this continuous sit-in.
Desolate Markets: Despite the festive season, nearby shops remained closed due to the sit-in and police restrictions. The situation deteriorated to the extent that silence spread even to Connaught Place, a major commercial hub, causing traders to suffer losses worth crores.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Central Government, the Delhi administration, and other concerned parties. The court will conduct the next hearing in the case after all parties file their replies and the protesting organizations receive their notices.
