Delhi traders claim Rs 2,000 crore festive losses amid CJP protests; High Court agrees to urgent hearing

The Delhi High Court on October 13 permitted the urgent listing of petitions filed by lawyers’ and traders’ associations seeking the implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for protests at designated sites in the national capital.

 

The petitioners claimed that traffic restrictions, barricades and recurring unrest had caused business losses of around Rs 2,000 crore, with commercial hubs such as Connaught Place facing severe disruptions during the ongoing festive season.

 

The petitions come amid demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a Gen-Z-led group, along with student organisations and Opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

 

Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Sacchin Puri told the court that the associations were not seeking to restrict the right to protest but wanted authorities to enforce existing guidelines.

 

“All we want is implementation of the SOP, of what has already been put in place by the Supreme Court,” Puri submitted, adding that the petitioners were seeking the protection of their basic rights.

 

He told the court that traders had suffered losses exceeding Rs 2,000 crore and that areas such as Connaught Place had become “completely inaccessible” because of restrictions.

 

A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre, also comprising Justice Sanjay Sharma, sought the responses of the Centre and Delhi Police.

 

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma initially pointed out that related matters were pending before the Supreme Court but subsequently did not oppose the High Court proceeding with the petitions.

 

The bench also directed the parties to place relevant pleadings from the Supreme Court proceedings on record to prevent overlapping litigation. The matter was listed for further hearing.

 

 

The petitions come against the backdrop of protests by the CJP and its supporters demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise.

 

On October 10, large numbers of protesters attempted to gather at Jantar Mantar despite police denying permission for the proposed demonstration. Authorities imposed restrictions, erected barricades and detained several protesters, including students, Opposition leaders and advocates.

 

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and other leaders were among those detained, according to reports.

 

Delhi Police subsequently denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site and identified Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as alternative venues. However, the petitioners raised concerns over the lack of a detailed SOP governing protests at the newly designated locations.

 

Other petitions connected to the demonstrations include a plea by NSUI president Vinod Jakhar seeking a probe into alleged assaults on protesters on October 10, and a petition by Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib challenging the denial of permission for the protest.

 

 

The restrictions have reportedly affected shopping districts across the capital at a time when retailers are counting on festive-season demand.

 

Traders have reported a decline in customer footfall and sales in markets such as Connaught Place, Khan Market and Sadar Bazar. Traffic disruptions have also discouraged shoppers travelling from across the National Capital Region.

The New Delhi Traders’ Association advised shopkeepers in Connaught Place to remain vigilant amid the unrest.

 

Association president Atul Bhargava said traders near the Janpath entry point and Regal crossing had kept their shops closed because of recurring disturbances.

 

“Because of frequent unrest in the area. To avoid damage to their shops during altercations between protesters and cops, this was the only option,” Bhargava said, referring to the decision to shut shops amid traffic restrictions.

 

The Chamber of Trade and Industry and other trader bodies have cited losses of around Rs 2,000 crore. The figure represents the losses claimed by the associations and has not been independently established by the court.

 

The timing has added to traders’ concerns, as businesses had stocked goods and prepared for the increase in shopping activity leading up to Diwali.

 

 

The dispute has brought renewed attention to the arrangements governing demonstrations in Delhi, particularly the implementation of guidelines intended to balance public protests with the movement of commuters and access to commercial areas.

 

The petitioners have sought clear procedures to ensure that demonstrations remain confined to designated locations and do not disrupt business activity, public movement or access to essential services.