Supreme Court Says Connaught Place Traders Could Get Compensation if Tiranga March Unlawfully Affects Their Business

The Supreme Court on Friday said it could order compensation for traders in Delhi’s Connaught Place if it finds that they were unlawfully deprived of business due to the Tiranga March called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). However, the court declined to hear the matter urgently and said the petition would be listed after the Dussehra recess, when it reopens on October 26.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a plea filed by the Delhi Kirana Committee and the Delhi Iron and Hardware Merchant Association. The associations sought judicial intervention, claiming that the protest was causing substantial financial losses to local businesses.

Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, appearing for the petitioners, told the court that traders were suffering estimated daily losses of Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore. He also referred to a notice issued by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) regarding the closure of Central Park in Connaught Place, arguing that the situation required immediate attention.

The bench, however, observed that the Delhi High Court had already dealt with related issues and declined to intervene at this stage. Justice Bagchi noted that the matter involved several competing concerns, including the right to protest, the livelihood of traders and the maintenance of public order.

Supreme Court Highlights Festive Season Concerns, Says It Will Examine Compensation and Restrictions on October 26

Dehadrai urged the court to consider the approaching festive season, including Karva Chauth, Dussehra and Diwali, when small traders typically depend on increased customer spending to sustain their businesses.

Chief Justice Surya Kant acknowledged the difficulties faced by small shopkeepers and street vendors, observing that disruptions during this period could affect the livelihoods of entire families. He expressed hope that better sense would prevail among all parties.

Justice Bagchi said the court would examine whether the restrictions imposed by the authorities were disproportionate. If the court concludes that traders suffered losses due to unlawful action, it could consider compensation under its constitutional and public-law jurisdiction.

The matter is scheduled to be taken up on October 26.