The Supreme Court today sought responses from the Centre and others on a plea by traders’ organisations seeking a halt to the ongoing protests against the chief election commissioner during the festive season. It said that the protest site cannot be occupied for all time to come. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was hearing several pleas, including one filed by the Kirana Committee Delhi alleging loss of business due to a protest at the Ramlila Maidan.
The court said the protest site cannot be occupied at all times, as everyone has the right to protest and designated time must be given for a designated period.
The bench also asked the traders’ bodies to make the organisers of the anti-CEC protest parties to their plea alleging loss of business, as without making them parties to the case no court can determine the issues.
The bench was hearing a batch of pleas, including the one filed by the traders, and on issues of alleged mass detention, police brutalities, closure of Metro stations and internet shutdown.
