Delhi High Court to Hear Petitions Regulating Public Protests

The Delhi High Court agreed on Tuesday to hear two petitions seeking the implementation of standard operating procedures to regulate public protests in New Delhi. The legal challenges, filed by a senior advocate and a traders' association, argue that recent demonstrations have disrupted court operations and commercial activities.

Petitioners highlighted that major commercial hubs, specifically Connaught Place, became inaccessible during protests. The Chamber of Trade and Industry estimates these disruptions have resulted in business losses of approximately Rs 2,000 crore. The petitions request clear guidelines to ensure demonstrations occur at designated venues to protect commercial interests and minimize public inconvenience.

Advocate Sacchin Puri sought an urgent hearing, emphasizing the need for a balance that protects the fundamental right to demonstrate without hindering the work of lawyers and traders.