Delhi traders seek court intervention and government ban on protests

Traders and business owners in Delhi are facing significant economic disruptions due to ongoing urban demonstrations. Major commercial hubs, including Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Khan Market, and Janpath, have reported a sharp decline in customer footfall and sales.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has formally requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to prohibit protests and marches in the capital through the Diwali festival period. Business groups argue that these disruptions jeopardize the peak festive trading window, which is critical for annual revenues. Some organizations claim daily losses ranging from Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore, with one group citing a previous incident that caused losses of approximately Rs 2,000 crore.

In response to repeated disruptions, trade bodies have approached the judiciary. A petition has been filed to challenge the timing and location of these protests, with traders advocating for demonstrations to be held at designated locations on the outskirts of the city to avoid paralyzing wholesale and retail markets.