CJP Protests
Connaught Place restaurant owner moves Delhi HC, seeks compensation for protest-related losses
New Delhi/IBNS: A restaurant owner in Delhi’s Connaught Place has approached the Delhi High Court seeking restrictions on unauthorised protests and public gatherings in the commercial district, arguing that such activities can cause substantial financial losses to businesses.
Aayush Chopra, a partner in a Connaught Place restaurant, filed the petition through advocate Umang Tyagi.
The lawyer mentioned the matter on Friday before Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre, seeking an early hearing.
The Acting Chief Justice noted that the court had passed an order in similar petitions on Thursday and indicated that Chopra’s plea would be taken up on October 27.
Besides seeking safeguards against unauthorised demonstrations, the petitioner has asked the court to assess the losses suffered by traders during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on October 10 and direct those responsible to pay compensation.
Plea seeks curbs on unauthorised protests
The petition comes amid concerns over a call by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke asking people to gather at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm on October 16.
According to the petitioner, Central Park is not a designated venue for protests.
The proposed gathering, the plea argues, could disrupt commercial activity in the area, particularly during the ongoing festive shopping season.
Chopra has contended that demonstrations in Connaught Place should comply with prescribed guidelines and take place only at designated protest sites.
He argued that unauthorised gatherings could affect the livelihoods of traders, restaurant owners and other businesses operating in the commercial hub.
The petition seeks directions to the authorities to refrain from permitting unauthorised protests, demonstrations or assemblies that could interfere with commercial activity in the area.
October 10 agitation cited
The petitioner has alleged that the CJP gathering on October 10, despite the refusal of permission, resulted in shop closures in Connaught Place and disrupted business across several Delhi markets.
Chopra claimed that his restaurant had experienced a sharp fall in business because of the disruption, including during Navratri, when businesses traditionally depend on increased customer activity.
Citing estimates attributed to traders’ associations, the plea claims that Connaught Place suffered losses of between Rs 150 crore and Rs 200 crore on October 10.
It further estimates that business worth around Rs 2,000 crore was affected across Delhi.
These figures form part of the petitioner’s claims and have not been independently established in the material provided.
The restaurant owner has asked the court to direct the relevant authorities to assess the losses suffered by traders and determine compensation payable by those responsible for the October 10 agitation.
Right to protest vs business rights
The petition argues that the right to protest must be balanced against traders’ fundamental right to carry on their businesses.
Relying on previous Supreme Court judgments, Chopra has contended that the right to demonstrate dissent does not permit protests to be held at any location of the organisers’ choosing.
The plea maintains that demonstrations should take place at designated sites and comply with the applicable legal requirements.
The petitioner has sought judicial directions to prevent unauthorised gatherings from obstructing access to commercial establishments or disrupting the movement of customers and other visitors.
The petition names the Union of India, the Delhi Police Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, the New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi government as respondents.
Delhi HC monitoring CJP protest
The case comes amid separate proceedings before the Delhi High Court concerning the proposed CJP demonstration at Central Park in Connaught Place.
On Thursday, the court recorded an assurance from the Delhi Police that it would take all possible measures under the law to control and regulate the activities of Dipke.
The latest petition adds to the legal proceedings over protest permissions and their alleged impact on commercial establishments in the national capital, with the restaurant owner seeking both preventive directions and compensation for the losses claimed to have occurred during the October 10 agitation.
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