Supreme Court says protest sites cannot be occupied indefinitely

The Supreme Court said protest rights must be balanced with the rights of people whose livelihoods may be affected, and that designated venues should be available for limited periods. It asked traders to add protest organisers to their case, while hearing complaints about demonstrations in Delhi.

• The Court said the right to protest and the right to trade and earn a livelihood are both constitutionally recognised, and that protest sites cannot be occupied indefinitely.· 2 sources
• The bench said designated venues should be available to different groups for defined periods, and protest permissions should state reasons for granting or refusing them.· 1 source
• The Court asked traders’ associations to add the organisers of the protests to their case before it considers compensation or other relief.· 2 sources
• The traders’ counsel said shops had shut near the protest site; one account also reported the counsel’s estimate that about 50 lakh people lived in the surrounding areas.· 1 source
• The hearing concerned protests at Jantar Mantar. The reports say the Centre had de-notified it as a designated protest site and identified Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as alternatives.· 2 sources