CTI welcomes SC’s remark on protests, lists five demands to protect Delhi traders

New Delhi, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s observation that occupation in the name of protest cannot be perpetual and urged the Delhi government and police to adopt five measures to prevent demonstrations from disrupting commercial activity and livelihoods.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said the court’s remarks, made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, reflected the concerns of Delhi’s trading community, employees and daily-wage workers. He stressed that while the right to protest must be protected, it should not come at the cost of others’ right to conduct business and earn a livelihood.

Referring to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s submission that Jantar Mantar remained occupied for 17 days despite permission being granted for only one day, Goyal said the episode underlined the need for clear restrictions. He claimed the occupation had caused business losses of ₹3,000 crore in Delhi, while the overall losses to traders had reached ₹14,000 crore. These figures were CTI’s estimates.

The organisation’s five demands include:

1. No-protest period during Diwali: CTI wants Central Delhi declared a no-protest zone until November 11, Bhaiya Dooj, and the 10-day Diwali festival period permanently protected from demonstrations every year. It has proposed alternative protest sites at Burari, Alipur, Jasola and Yamuna Khadar.
2. Strict one-day limit at Jantar Mantar: The body has called for enforcement of a one-day protest rule, with demonstrators required to vacate the venue by 5 p.m.
3. Delhi Recovery of Damages Act: CTI wants legislation allowing recovery of losses and property damage caused during protests from those responsible.
4. Insurance and compensation fund: It has proposed a dedicated mechanism to compensate traders, street vendors, auto-rickshaw drivers, loaders, porters and daily-wage workers affected by demonstrations and traffic restrictions.
5. Consultation before large rallies: CTI wants Delhi Police to obtain no-objection certificates from the organisation and the concerned market association before permitting rallies involving more than 10,000 people in Central Delhi. It has also sought advance disclosure of traffic and parking plans.

Goyal said the proposed measures would help protect commercial activity while ensuring that the right to peaceful protest did not cause prolonged disruption to other sections of society.