The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday expressed hope that ‘better sense shall prevail,’ amid uncertainty and tensions shrouding the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest at Connaught Place in the national capital. The apex court highlighted the potential impact of restrictions on traders in the thick of the festive season.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant made the aforementioned assertions while hearing a request for an urgent listing of pleas concerning the proposed agitation and the reported closure of prominent markets, including the Connaught Place and Khan Market.

Advocate Anant Dehadrai, who listed the matter before the SC, warned that traders could suffer colossal financial losses. The CJI remarked, “We hope better sense will prevail on every one... small shopkeepers earn their livelihood during these days. We know the hardship and difficulty entire families will face.”

SC defers urgent hearing

The SC bench, headed by CJI Kant, and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, refused to hear the matter on an urgent basis, pointing out that it could be taken up after the court reopens post-Dussehra vacation, potentially on October 26 or 27, 2026.

Justice Bagchi shed light on the competing interests involved, including the right to protest, the traders’ ability to earn their livelihood and the need to ensure the upkeep of law and order.

He remarked, “Someone wants to protest, someone wants to sell moongfali, someone wants to maintain law and order. All these are related,” adding that the court could exercise its constitutional powers if businesses suffered losses.

He added, “Let’s cross that bridge when it comes,” signalling that judicial intervention would depend on how the situation unfolded.

Central Park Closure raises concerns

During the proceedings, advocate Dehadrai referred to the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) decision to shut Central Park in Connaught Place, contending that the move could disrupt commercial activity in the bustling business district.

The advocate submitted before the Bench, “NDMC yesterday has come out late at night yesterday shutting down Central Park, meaning no trade will happen.”

Justice Bagchi further indicated that the SC could intervene if the restrictions were found to be disproportionate, citing its jurisdiction under constitutional and compensation law. He asserted, “If it's disproportionate, this court had ample jurisdiction under public and compensation law.”

Security beefed up ahead of CJP’s stir

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had pleaded with the people on Thursday to show up at the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Central Park, appealing to agitators to carry the national flag with them.

However, the NDMC declared that the parks would remain shut, while the Delhi Police cited prohibitory orders restricting mass gatherings. Security arrangements have also been beefed up ahead of the proposed stir, with more than 6,000 Delhi Police personnel, 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces and an expanded CCTV surveillance network deployed in the area.

Notably, the CJP and the Opposition parties have been agitating against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.