Delhi Traders Move Supreme Court Over Agitations; Protesters Blame Government
Traders associations in Delhi, including representatives from Khan Market and the Delhi Kirana Committee, have approached the Supreme Court seeking to intervene against frequent agitations in central Delhi. Traders stated that recurrent demonstrations and police restrictions during the festive season have triggered substantial business losses, estimating daily citywide retail and wholesale trade deficits between 2,000 and 3,000 crore rupees. Shopkeepers raised concerns over steep commercial rents, employee wages, and dropping footfalls due to public apprehension surrounding protests. Meanwhile, Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijit Dipke responded to the traders, asserting that businesses do not suffer on account of peaceful demonstrations, but because the government and police impose blockades, suspend internet services, and restrict urban movement. Delhi Police indicated traffic curbs around Connaught Place's Central Park while retail markets remained open.