Stories
CTI Demands Protest Ban in Delhi Markets Until Diwali to Save Businesses
- •The Chamber of Trade and Industry has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a ban on large-scale protests in key commercial areas of Delhi from Navratri until Diwali.
- •CTI stated that business activity in Delhi markets has dropped by roughly 70 percent over three days due to protests, traffic congestion, and repeated metro station closures.
- •Daily out-of-town shoppers have plummeted from up to three lakh to around 40,000 to 50,000, severely impacting nearly 15 lakh traders in the national capital ahead of the festive season.
- •The trade body proposed the establishment of a permanent protest zone outside central Delhi, suggesting locations like Burari or Ramlila Maidan to safeguard commercial interests.
Key Questions Answered
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ban large-scale protests in key commercial areas of Delhi from Navratri until Diwali. CTI argued that these demonstrations and disruptions severely impact local traders, customer footfall, and business activity during the crucial festive season.
CTI stated that business activity fell by around 70 percent over three days due to repeated metro station closures, traffic congestion, and disruptions around central locations like Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, and Connaught Place. Daily shopping visitors from outside Delhi dropped significantly from up to three lakh down to 40,000–50,000, while local footfall fell by over 50 percent.
Delhi Police warned that the proposed October 10 protest by the Cockroach Janata Party is illegal because Section 163 is currently in force in the national capital. DCP Shrishti Pandey stated that no protests are permitted anywhere in the city under these restrictions and warned that authorities will take legal action against unauthorized gatherings.
