India Supreme Court Refuses Urgent Hearing on Park Closure

The Supreme Court of India refused an urgent hearing on Friday regarding a plea against a New Delhi Municipal Council order to shut down Central Park in Connaught Place. The municipal authority closed the park to prevent a protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed hope that "better sense will prevail," citing potential livelihood losses for small shopkeepers in the area. Justice Bagchi stated the court would exercise its constitutional jurisdiction if the shutdown resulted in business losses.

The protest was called by Cockroach Janta Party leader Abhijeet Dipke, who urged supporters to gather with national flags. The demonstration follows the placement of party members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka in five-day judicial custody at Tihar Jail for allegedly trespassing into Jantar Mantar and violating peace bonds.