NEW DELHI, NOV 3: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought replies from the Centre and key stakeholders on a plea filed by traders’ organizations seeking relief from prolonged demonstrations at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan during the festive period.
The three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, asserted that continuous occupation of public grounds affects surrounding populations and commercial operations. The court maintained that protesting groups must operate within defined timeframes to avoid shutting out other public groups and local traders.
Appearing for the traders, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi maintained that local businesses and residents in adjacent areas face significant disruption due to the ongoing anti-CEC demonstrations. In response, the Bench declared that judicial directions can only be issued once the organizing bodies are formally included as parties to the matter.
The Bench affirmed that it will examine the legal and administrative aspects once replies from the Centre and demonstration organizers are placed on record.
