Supreme Court Weighs in on Protests Impacting Delhi Traders During Festive Season

The Supreme Court has intervened in a case concerning protests at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, which are impacting local traders during the festive season. The court has directed the inclusion of INDIA bloc parties in the proceedings and emphasized the need for a balance between the right to protest and the right to conduct business. This ruling comes amidst concerns over mass detentions and police actions during recent protests. The court's decision aims to ensure that both protesters and traders can exercise their rights without infringing on each other.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 22:29 IST

Supreme Court Addresses Protests Affecting Businesses

New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court directed a traders' association to include parties from the INDIA bloc as respondents in their request to stop protests at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, which are disrupting business during the festive season. The court emphasized that such locations cannot be occupied indefinitely.

Additionally, the Supreme Court requested responses from Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi regarding a complaint from a female journalist who alleged that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had physically pushed her during a protest at the court's premises.

The court was reviewing multiple petitions, including those from traders and concerns about mass detentions, police violence, the closure of Metro stations, and internet blackouts during recent protests in the capital. Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, instructed senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Congress, Kharge, and Gandhi, to respond to the journalist's allegations.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Kirana Committee of Delhi, stated, "I represent all trading associations in Delhi. Today, Connaught Place is deserted with all shops closed." He expressed concern that if sales do not occur during the festive period, it would severely impact their livelihoods, urging the court to consider innovative solutions.

The Chief Justice remarked, "Protest sites cannot be occupied indefinitely. Other groups, including farmers, journalists, and lawyers, also have the right to protest. Designated times must be allocated for such activities." The bench highlighted the importance of balancing the right to protest with the right to conduct business and earn a living, particularly for daily wage earners, noting that both rights are constitutionally protected.