SC may order compensation if NDMC's Central Park shutdown causes disproportionate business losses

New Delhi, Oct 16 : The Supreme Court on Friday said it would consider ordering compensation if restrictions imposed by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Connaught Place over a proposed Tiranga protest by the Cockroach Janta Party were found to be disproportionate and resulted in unlawful business losses.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi agreed to list the matter on October 26 or 27, after the Dussehra vacation.

The plea was mentioned for early listing by advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai, appearing for the Delhi Kirana Committee and the Delhi Iron and Hardware Merchant Association. The petitioners expressed concern that the proposed protest at Central Park could disrupt business activities worth around Rs 200 crore a day.

Dehadrai submitted that the NDMC had issued a notice late on Thursday night announcing the closure of the area, raising concerns among traders about the potential financial impact of the restrictions.

The bench noted that the Delhi High Court was already hearing a related matter. Justice Bagchi observed that the proposed protest, commercial activities and law-and-order concerns were interconnected issues.

Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted the possible impact of the disruption on small shopkeepers and their families, particularly during the festive season.

The bench said the matter would be taken up after the vacation. Justice Bagchi added that if the NDMC's restrictions were found to be disproportionate and had caused unlawful business losses, the court could direct compensation under its constitutional tort jurisdiction.

The court's observations came amid concerns raised by traders over the potential economic consequences of the proposed protest and the closure of the Central Park area in Connaught Place.