The Supreme Court on Friday declined to issue immediate directions over the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Lehra do Tiranga’ march in Delhi, but flagged concerns about the impact of the demonstration on local businesses.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called on “patriots” to gather at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm to protest against the arrest of outfit leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for unfurling the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar after the site was denotified for protests.
Following Dipke’s announcement, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) ordered Central Park to remain closed on Friday and Saturday for “administrative reasons”. Delhi Police, meanwhile, said the march had not been granted permission.
During the hearing today, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined an urgent hearing on a plea challenging the NDMC’s order, after a lawyer submitted that the civic body issued the closure directive late Thursday night, effectively preventing business activities in the area.
"We hope better sense will prevail on everyone. Small shopkeepers earn their livelihood these days. We know the hardship and difficulty entire families will face," the bench said.
Justice Bagchi observed that the various issues surrounding the protest and concerns over law and order, were interconnected.
"Someone wants to protest, someone wants to sell 'moongfali' (peanuts), someone wants law and order. All these are related. If business is harmed, we will exercise our powers under constitutional jurisdiction. When that time comes, we will deal with the situation,” Justice Bagchi said.
He added that the apex court had sufficient jurisdiction if the action taken was found to be disproportionate.
The matter has been listed for October 26 or 27.
The court’s remarks came as Delhi stepped up security ahead of the proposed march.
More than 6,000 Delhi Police personnel, 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces and an expanded CCTV network have been deployed across Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Central Park, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar, nearby Metro stations and other sensitive locations.
Barricades have been placed at several points, including Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg.
An additional 5,000 personnel are currently on standby. According to officials, the deployment could be increased if crowds swell, particularly at night.
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