We'll act if there are losses: SC as traders flag Central Park closure over CJP stir

The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing challenging the NDMC order to shut down the Central Park in Connaught Place ahead of the CJP's planned Tiranga march. The bench flagged livelihood concerns while noting the links between protest rights, business and law and order.

In Short

• SC refused urgent hearing on NDMC order to shut Central Par
• NDMC closed park following CJP's Tiranga march call, citing administrative reasons
• Delhi Police denied permission for the march, citing law and order concerns

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea filed by a traders' body seeking an urgent hearing against the New Delhi Municipal Council's (NDMC) order to shut down the Central Park in Connaught Place in the wake of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) Tiranga march.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called on “patriots” to gather in Central Park at 5 pm to protest against the arrest of outfit leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for unfurling the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar after the site was denotified for protests.

Following Dipke’s announcement, the NDMC ordered Central Park to remain closed on Friday and Saturday for “administrative reasons." Delhi Police, meanwhile, said the march had not been granted permission.

During the hearing today, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined an urgent hearing on a plea by the Delhi Kirana Committee challenging the shutdown order, after a lawyer submitted that the civic body issued the directive late Thursday night, effectively preventing business activities in the area.

"We hope better sense will prevail on everyone. Small shopkeepers earn their livelihood these days. We know the hardship and difficulty entire families will face," the bench said.

Justice Bagchi observed that the various issues surrounding the protest and concerns over law and order, were interconnected.

"Someone wants to protest, someone wants to sell 'moongfali' (peanuts), someone wants law and order. All these are related. If business is harmed, we will exercise our powers under constitutional jurisdiction. When that time comes, we will deal with the situation,” Justice Bagchi said.

He added that the apex court had sufficient jurisdiction if the action taken was found to be disproportionate.

The matter has been listed for October 26 or 27.

The court’s remarks came as Delhi stepped up security ahead of the proposed march.

More than 6,000 Delhi Police personnel, 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces and an expanded CCTV network have been deployed across Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Central Park, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar, nearby Metro stations and other sensitive locations.

Barricades have been placed at several points, including Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg.

An additional 5,000 personnel are currently on standby. According to officials, the deployment could be increased if crowds swell, particularly at night.

- Ends