Supreme Court declines to halt Connaught Place protests

The Supreme Court of India has declined to issue an immediate stay on protests scheduled to take place in Delhi’s Connaught Place. During the hearing before the Chief Justice of India, the court expressed hope that all parties would act with prudence to avoid causing hardship to local residents and business owners.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted the interconnectedness of the right to protest, the livelihoods of small vendors, and the necessity of maintaining law and order. The court indicated it would monitor the situation and reserved the right to use its constitutional powers to address any significant business losses or if subsequent actions are deemed excessive.

The hearing also addressed a decision by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to close Central Park. Petitioners argued that the closure would negatively impact the livelihoods of approximately 2,000 shops, offices, and cafes in the area, including those in the inner, middle, and outer circles of Connaught Place.