New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to issue urgent directions against a protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) near Connaught Place, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant observing that he hoped “better sense will prevail.”
During the hearing, the CJI expressed concern over the potential impact on small traders and their families, noting that their livelihoods depend on daily business. Responding to advocate, who mentioned the matter, the CJI said, “We hope better sense will prevail on everyone,” and acknowledged the hardship that a disruption could cause to traders.Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the matter involved several competing considerations, including the right to protest, the proposed distribution of peanuts and the maintenance of law and order.
“Someone wants to protest, someone wants to send mungfali, someone wants law and order. All these are related,” Justice Bagchi remarked. He further added that the court could consider exercising its constitutional jurisdiction if the protest resulted in business losses. “If there’s loss of business, we will exercise our powers under Constitutional jurisdiction. Let’s cross that bridge when it comes,” he said. Advocate submitted that the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) had issued a late-night decision to close Central Park, contending that the closure would prevent trade in the area.
However, the court declined to grant urgent relief at this stage and listed the matter for further hearing on October 26.
