India · Hindustan Times
Supreme Court Urges Balance Amid Delhi Protest
The Supreme Court on Friday declined to grant an urgent direction to shut Central Park in Connaught Place amid protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard a plea that the park should remain open for the festive season, citing the impact on small traders and daily‑wage earners. The court said it hoped “better sense will prevail” and urged that the right to protest be balanced against the livelihoods of shopkeepers who rely on the footfall during the holiday period. It warned that if restrictions tied to the demonstrations disproportionately hurt businesses, it could award compensation to affected parties. The CJP’s planned gathering, described as a “Tiranga” march, was scheduled to take place at Central Park, but the court did not order a closure. The bench also noted that the plea against the NDMC order could be heard at a later date. The decision leaves the protest organizers and authorities to negotiate a way forward that accommodates both civic participation and commercial interests. The court’s remarks underscore its role in mediating between public dissent and economic activity during a sensitive period.
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