“If There’s Loss of Business, We Will Exercise Our Constitutional Powers: SC”

Expressing concern over traders and street vendors losing business during the festive season, the on Friday expressed hope that “better sense will prevail” among all concerned.

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi said, “Small shopkeepers earn their livelihood during these days. We know the hardship and difficulties entire families will face.”

Justice Bagchi observed that the various issues surrounding the protest, including the right to protest, the proposed sale of mungfali (groundnuts) and concerns over law and order, were interconnected.

The Court on Friday refused an urgent hearing on a plea challenging the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) order to shut down Central Park at Connaught Place over a proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party. It said the matter would be taken up after the Dussehra festival.

“Someone wants to protest, someone wants to sell ‘mungfali’, someone wants law and order. All these are related,” Justice Bagchi said.

During the hearing, the lawyer submitted that the NDMC had issued directions late Thursday night to shut down Central Park, effectively preventing traders from carrying out their business.

Justice Bagchi indicated that the Court had ample jurisdiction to intervene if the measures were found to be disproportionate, including by exercising its powers under public and compensation law.

The bench indicated that the plea could be listed for hearing on October 26 or 27.